About This Website - In The Beginning

The focus of this website when first established in 2011, wasn't about creating business revenue, and still remains that way in the 2020s. You won't find a single affiliated source link, or donation requests on this website. That's an accomplishment in itself. I could have easily started a trendy solo overland travel blog site years ago using endless amounts of my own content. The reasons for not doing so isn't complicated. Becoming part of the travel blogger and YouTube bandwagon was never a must have, or required ambition. A sheep following other sheep leads to the same result — A flock of sheep.
From the beginning, the website has used low res subpar images for obvious reasons — website image theft. Nothing much changed there, Images through the entire website still use ©RH. Creating a page exposing those using my content without prior permission, is far less time consuming, and more satisfying, exposing website image thieves rather than contacting copyright infringement lawyers.
The classic website design remains the same as it was in 2011. People browsing on this site are here for two reasons only — genuine long-term solo overland travelers in search for something of interest, and others looking at travel content different to their own. The first sections in the home page gets straight to the point.
Having a dedicated solo overland travel website using all your own content, especially images dating back to the early 1980s, is more than rare in the 2020s. And yes, I'm still offshore enjoying street photography and travel.

Note: Using images, modified screenshots of images, data or maps from this website - even with original links back to this website is INVALID without prior permission and consent by the website owner. website disclaimer : website contact : Are you a website image thief?

The older the overland travel images are shows how real overland travel used to be. No doubt, every man and his dog today would love to step back in time just to experience how solo overland travel was through the 1980s. Everything was slower, more basic, laid back down to earth. Hanging out the sides of packed out bush trains, and onboard worn out bush buses wasn't something special — it was normal transportation that everyone used. Open market vibrancy like below have well disappeared. I even remember taking this snap, by standing on top of a 44 gallon drum for added height. Who wouldn't slip back in time escaping from 2020s global control and tyranny? Think about it, there was no need of internet, wifi, smartphones and social media. We used maps and roll film cameras without complaining. Interacting with people in real time beats social media and smartphone swiping any day.   

Web pages up until 2017 had used individual flash activated tumblr headers and music background themes.. It was pure overkill in 2011. Thousands of visitors viewed the site daily. Now with Google AI internet prison, the daily amount of real traffic flow today is unknown and purposely suppressed. How do I know that? By suspicious weekly traffic flow data numbers. The probabilities of having the exact same count week to week is impossible without someone controlling it — Do I really care? Only Google Goolag cares.
Some of the original 2011 tracks below — enjoy.

Intrepid theme

Often, people assume intrepid overland travel journeys are impossible to complete by themselves, and resort to package tours. Virtually, nothing is further from the truth for those chasing dreams turning them into reality. All it takes, is a little research, planning and preparedness in advance. Travel baggage should be thoroughly tried and tested for reliability. Backpacks, boots camping stuff and photo gear can fail when least expected. I can personally vouch for failures of the same brand with three different designs —Sportiva Karakorum and Lhoste both suffered delamination sole separation within short time periods. The most valuable asset on the road, is time, and knowing how to interact with complete strangers a close second. Having limited time with introverted tendencies will give issues on long-term overland journeys through and across continents. Overland Page

Highlands cityscape cropped 70% percent from its original size — Nikon D3 DSLR & AF 28mm 1.4 prime lens. The same camera gear is still being used in the 2020s capturing all different kinds of still images. Some photo gear just keeps on going.

This image doesn't hide its age. There was a short window of travel freedom throughout Tibet from 1985-88. The only thing required was a valid Chinese visa and nothing else. I had received Chinese visas issued in Bangkok and Islamabad — yes, twice solo overland through Tibet from different directions (high and low routes) A rare 1987 image of Nyalam, 3750M during midwinter. There are other images of Tibet randomly scattered through the website (low res only)     

Solo overland journeys onboard basic bush buses are 100% recommended for those looking for the classic experience and vibe they offer, as it was in the 1980s. Where do you find bush bus transport? Almost anywhere through the African heartland, the Andean interior, India, Myanmar, and isolated regions through central Asia and Mid East. All that's required is time to slowly travel through continents — the opposite when using comfy deluxe transport. Hanging out of open windows capturing snaps on the go, just like above, are impossible onboard deluxe buses. All super rapid deluxe buses have sealed air tight windows for air con and minimal dust. Bush buses are cheaper with each transit journey giving a  different atmosphere to the last.        

Real solo overland travelers will do their hardest reaching isolated regions scattered through the planet. The more isolated regions are, the more the satisfaction becomes reaching them. You know when you're transiting through extreme isolated regions. There are no tourists, there is minimal or no traffic flow, there are no bitumen highways, no airports, and there are no yuppie travel bloggers or travel influencers. In the 2020s, isolated regions are best completed through the off-season, either during midwinter in peak subzero temps, or midsummer within desert locations. This guarantees overland travel journeys to be free of the usual tourist at these destinations — it's too harsh for them, when especially nothing is dished out on platters.              

Minus -33c (-27.4 F) @3600M altitude. Adding in wind chill factor at this location gives a total of minus -40c. Believe me, that's more than cold. Camera batteries struggle in these extreme subzero temps. Smartphone junk becomes useless smartphone junk. 

Those believing what yuppie travel influencers blog about, that everything is just wonderful, full of blissfulness, is far from the truth. The majority of travel bloggers have no experience traveling solo overland through the Sahel, including other Red Zone regions in Africa. They spend most of their time sun baking along coastal shorelines in Zanzibar, Morocco, Egypt and Kenya. Below snap — in transit onboard a rough bush bus with backup army security hauling along a dusty highway through the middle of nowhere known for sporadic militia attacks. Weapons onboard, AK-47s, surplus magazines, grenades, sat phones.

Asian theme

Many brag getting through Asia overland in six months. Most probably didn't include Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Philippines, Bhutan and Pakistan. These countries alone mount to six months minimum travel time. Completing the three main overland routes in and out of Asia will take a minimum of 18 months. Winter and monsoon seasons shouldn't be missed, but rather enjoyed experiencing what 4.7 billion Asians go through year in year out. The Trans Siberian has you covered entering and leaving from the north. Landing in Jakarta, then onward through south east Asia, Nepal, India, Pakistan, up into China, leaving north east Asia til last completes the entire Asian circuit. Like Africa and South America, crisscrossing through the continent is part of the journey. Chinese and Indian multiple entry visas are a must. This allows reentry into both countries from neighboring countries i.e. Myanmar, Nepal, Bangladesh, Laos, Vietnam.  Asia Page                 

This website avoids high res images for obvious reasons (image thieves) — Above, Konyak Naga, DSLR D3, Noct 58 1.2 Ai 1977-81 lens.  

Photo gear, camera gear, still photography gear, call it what you want. Any solo overland travel journey offshore isn't complete without some form of being able to capture random street stills like these examples. What counts, is consecutively capturing shots with reliable photo gear of subject matter of anything anywhere through entire journeys — 12 months plus. Knowing first hand before arriving on different continents how cameras function within different ambient environments, is a must do priority. Some travelers out there prefer using lightweight point and shoots, and others happy using wannabe cameras — the smartphone. Those who've browsed through this website have quickly found out how much I personally think of smartphone cameras — Zero! Most who do travel using smartphones capturing still images have less interest of what real street photography is all about. I've seen enough images taken with smartphones through the last decade taken by other foreigners, including myself to place judgement — smartphone cameras are junk no matter the brand, or how many lenses, or zoom range they offer. Any good reliable DSLR full frame camera with a proven track record beats any smartphone overland through the heart of Africa, or in midwinter subzero temps above 4000 meters, including blistering desert regions above 50C. The only good thing worth mentioning with smartphones are their video capabilities. Think wisely doing your own research on camera gear before heading off to Asia, Africa, and South America. The photo gear page briefly covers what I've used, and still using in the 2020s.       

African theme

Where do you begin an overland solo journey completing all of Africa? I used to ask the same question in the 1980s. From Europe, Spain and Malta by boat and via the Sinai. Arrival by flight from the rest of the planet, is either to Cape Town, Jo-Burg, Casablanca and Cairo. Although these are optional landing points, it avoids back tracking through regions already visited. There's no escape of zig-zagging coast to coast in either direction up or down the continent. Minimum time require without schedules — 18 months.  African Page

There's mainly two types of westerners visiting Africa. The leisurely kind hanging out at heavily prompted safe locations, and the solo overland traveler getting through the continent no matter how long it takes to complete. Street images like below of daily habits and lifestyle in the real world has limited importance to the western mindset. It's about beach, food and party with endless narcissistic selfies posted to social media platforms — Dopamine likes and ego overkill.

Solo overland through Africa, is at times unpleasant and can be inhospitable, but that's how the real world is in real time reality. The very opposite to fluffy fly in fly out travel destinations. Avoiding following the usual travel crowd may sound difficult for some out there. It takes a change of mindset, and dedication to get through Africa on your own, at your own pace. The image below has more appreciation than any selfie. Capturing street images of other people instead of at yourself is good start.         

Attraction to tribal territory was already in motion well before film cameras were invented. Capturing candid closeups of locals can't be easier than using DSLR, 4/3 photo gear. The below example, a midday snap shows this image would of been better, if taken with additional flash, or in shade eliminating shadows. At times this can't be avoided depending on location and subject.   

South American theme

What's the first priority on arrival to South America? Learning to speak Spanish ASP. Keeping your eyes peeled, knowing what's happening around you. who's watching you, and having a hand or foot on baggage in public lessons the chances of being targeted. Those failing doing this will eventually lose stuff. The usual arrival locations are Buenos Aires and Santiago in late spring, and Caracas or Bogota in the north. It gives optional directional overland travel routes beginning from either end of the continent. Correct timing is required for Patagonia — October to April. The minimum time getting through the entire continent in either direction crisscrossing coast to coast is about 18 months. I've personally completed three separate journeys of 12, 18 & 24 months. One year through South America doesn't cut it.         

South American concrete jungle city hubs during the 1980s. Most vibrant bustling city — Lima  

Roll film snap, central Bogota, one day before Escobar's horrific bus bomb exploded specifically targeted at the DAS building, Dec 1989. The 2 km walk up Monserrate was bone dry of foreign travelers, because there were none through the entire country during the height of the cartel wars. Like other South American cities, the chances of being drugged, mugged and robbed is ongoing. Every street robbery of foreign travelers plays out differently. It's a waste of time explaining the same safety jargon yuppie travel bloggers yap about. Getting mugged losing stuff cannot be avoided with certain foreigners, because they have no concept evaluating of what's around them. Western travelers becoming complacent offshore getting robbed leaves a strain on those who value their stuff. A few links, I got robbed in Bogota : I got robbed in Medellin : I got robbed in Cartagena : I got robbed in Cali  : Don't end up in body bags — 19 tourists dead Medellin 2021

What do you do onboard slow boats through the Amazon? Take as many still images as possible — most never return for 2nd visits.

Fire in the sky, no just one of those saturated Raw images that came out that way. Below, I still remember taking this snap decades ago. The early morning walk from Aguas Calientes along the railway track crossing the river up to Machu Picchu was an added highlight. Hiking in from the backside was another, and recommended for those wanting the best experience to this complex.

Mount Roriama is one of the top five hikes in the continent. It's not called the lost world for nothing. Arranging a five day hike can be done at Santa Elena with other individual travelers. It's best to shop around for price quotes covering food, guide including a stop at Jasper falls.
El Misti, Peru, Cero Kennedy, Colombia, Ojos del Salado, Argentinian side, and Aconcagua during peak season are together South America's top five hikes.     

Middle Eastern theme

The constant Geo-political atmosphere through the Mid-East hasn't changed since the French and English empire carved and divided land for territorial gain — welcome to the Middle East. Even through past conflicts, main road routes and border crossings were open. During the 1980s and 90s, it wasn't difficult getting from Iran to Iraq via Turkey, or from Syria to Israel via Jordan. The only taboo, even now  in the 2020s, is an Israeli stamp in passports. Syrian, Iranian and Lebanese embassy, consular staff, and border officials do flick page by page, searching for that stamp. And if they find one, including entry stamps from the Israeli borders of Egypt and Jordan — forget about any onward overland journey elsewhere in the Mid-East, it just got cancelled.

On a positive note, the Middle East is well worth the effort and time reaching locations off the beaten track. Caution is required, at your own risk and peril traveling into known Red Zones in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Traveling with any type of soft or hard drugs will land you inside a Mid-East jail cell. Best advice — don't do drugs!  Mid-East Page       

Mid-East landscape is either rugged or endless desert sands stretched as far as the eye can see. The majority of western two week tourists spend most of their time dipping their feet in warm coastal waters. There's more to offer than than just sandy beaches. The road route from northern Iraq through to southern Egypt via Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, is by far the easiest Mid-East Journey well worth doing. Like other regions, the Middle East requires six months minimum duration time. Completing the entire Mid-East overland at turtle speed takes 12 months i.e. Iraq 2 months, Syria 2 months, Lebanon 1 month, Jordan 1 month, Israel 2 months, Egypt 2 months, Saudi 1 month, Yemen 1 month. As mentioned, visas must be obtained well advance from consulates or online. Entering Red Zones locations is at your own risk.         

Indian theme

Even though India's landmass is smaller in comparison to Africa and South America, energy and time are two must haves traveling through this bustling country. The India rush is alive and well, and felt upon arrival and continues till departing. If noise is an issue — Tough, either deal with it, or head to the mountains. Those with weak stomachs should consume daily amounts of fresh local curd — bio active as it gets. Another, is having a weekly fix of rehydration electrolyte drinks. With that out of the way, you're good to go through India coast to coast, north to south. Six months minimum travel time is recommended for India. We're not talking about beach crashing or hanging out up in Manali, for months on end. First timers heading to India, is best through the cooler months from November to April. Anyone else that's traveled the country extensively already know their own limitations. India Page          

India has and still is one of the top five countries for street still photography. Anyone arriving to India without camera gear will wish they did so (excludes smartphone junk). Interacting with locals through the country young and old, is like anywhere else using positive dialogue. Some of my favorite closeup street portraits have been taken in India with full frame DSLR's and prime lenses. A last resort for those wanting camera gear — new or second hand, can be sourced in most major cities i.e. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Bangalore.      

I'm used to noise. At 15, I was cruising around in V8's with straight pipes, and riding Harley's loud as helicopters. India has plenty of noise, so no problem there. Below, a classic SLR roll film snap on a very first visit to India during the eighties. The feel and vibe of the Indian rush hasn't changed one bit in the 2020s. Motor rickshaws, motorbikes, bush buses, diesel trains and trucks are in full swing heading in all directions. There's no favorite state — they all have their own ambience.    

Solo Overland Transit theme

Some of the best times remembered, even after clocking up countless years of overland travel, are all those past transit journeys onboard bush transport. Rattling vibrating bush buses contain much more ambience that deluxe transportation can never offer. The same for bush trains and slow floaters heading down river and across oceans, always overloaded with passengers and cargo. Hitching lifts onboard long haul trucks have been some of my best journeys. Traveling solo using basic transportation getting through entire continents, is something I've been doing since the early 1980s.

Some of my first sea journeys began in the Mediterranean in the early eighties. It was simplicity getting from Alexandria to Cyprus, Crete Rhodes, Haifa, Corfu, Brindisi, Marmaris, Trabzon and Ceuta by boat. Major shipping lines usually have water tight vessels. Smaller maritime registered vessels also have an open display mounted somewhere onboard showing the ships decks from top to bottom. Being familiar where stairwells are positioned in case of abandoning ship during the night, is something most ignore, but recommended. Knowing how to swim and be buoyant does come in handy. Images above were taken onboard the MV Liemba at the Kigoma port just before departure.     

Forget about those overland package tours up and down continents. They're for people preferring travel time with other westerners. Getting out traveling on your own through continents, is the best advice for those looking for full on adventure. Each day is different to the next not knowing what will unfold. It begins by using basic bush transport. Don't think about it — Do it.  Overland Transit Page

Dirt track highway routes through central Africa are many. They're mainly used by trucks and typical rough bush buses like above. Three full days of transit onboard the same bush bus feels more like a weeks travel. Drivers differ with driving habits, although speeding is common practice. Getting from coast to coast through central Africa solo onboard bush buses and the odd truck lift, is what overland travel is all about. How do you begin? Having no time limits, no schedules, and no fixed itineraries is a good start — Try it, I've done it a few times.       

Some of the best on the go overland transit snaps are along back roads and bush track highways. Most of my overland transit images are taken with point and shoots. Hanging out of windows grabbing snaps en-route through countries crossing continents, is something I've been doing since the 1980s. There's nothing better being onboard vibrating bush transport capturing random snaps like above. It's part of of any overland journey experience.  

Typical clogged up land border crossings through central and north Africa are good locations hitching lifts onboard trucks. If the cabin is full, jumping on the backside is optional. This is the difference between solo overland travel through continents compared to plastic yuppie overland travel onboard outfitted transport with other foreigners. You think for yourself, you find places to sleep, you look for your own transport, and decide directions and routes. Try it, I've been traveling solo overland since 1982. Nothing changed there, I recently completed a rough as guts journey in India 2023 using basic transport — four decades still going strong, how about that?         

Getting through countries using any transport, crossing continents, jumping onboard cargo passage vessels reaching destinations, is what real solo overland travel is all about. Overland journeys like this, is still king, and recommended for anyone looking for personal satisfaction. Forget about fluffy travel. All you meet are fluffy travelers complaining about the most trivial issues. Top four overland continents 1) Africa
2) Middle East 3) South America 4) central Asia.      

The majority of vehicle deaths are caused from driver error. Speeding out of control off the sides of cliffs happens. With no safety barriers, the risk factor is greater, and increases during heavy downpours. The below snap, a typical scenario with all the right ingredients of a fatal accident in waiting. The chances of surviving this 300+ meter drop rolling down out of control inside vans, cars, bush buses and 4WDs, is zero. Locals have plummeted at this same location with no survivors. At the end of the day, it's up to the driver getting passengers through in one piece. In situations like this, one can either tell drivers to slow down, or get off and find other transport. It's your life on the line. Only you can decide if fate will allow a free pass onboard transport with crazy insane drivers.
Poor souls that didn't make it who trusted their drivers — 4 dead van plunge Peru :  24 dead bus plunge Peru : 29 dead bus plunge Peru :  12 dead bus plunge Costa Rica :  18 dead bus plunge Mexico : 48 dead bus plunge Peru : 10 dead bus plunge Brazil : 19 dead bus plunge Peru : 20 dead bus plunge Bolivia : 11 dead bus plunge Bolivia : 36 dead bus plunge Ecuador : 54 dead bus plunge Brazil : 4 Germans dead bus plunge Peru : 2 Germans dead mini van plunge Peru : 10 dead bus plunge Peru

Getting out on your own traveling solo onboard basic bush buses packed with locals contains more ambience than any other type of transportation. Even during breakdowns in the middle of nowhere, it's overland journeys like this remembered best. Solo overland coast to coast through central Africa, is one journey that shouldn't be missed. Don't just think about it — Do it!     

Overland middle of nowhere theme

Most seasoned overland travelers have encountered being through the middle of nowhere. Timbuktu was one of those iconic isolated locations before the Sahel region turned into a militant Red Zone. Some of the best locations on the planet are situated in the middle of nowhere. Reaching those regions become the non-forgettable journeys, especially onboard basic transport. Antarctica is certainly right up there, although global population are forbidden to freely travel past the 60th parallel. Forget about the tourist penguin colony peninsula, that's been created for obvious reasons. Getting to the real Antarctica, is beyond the 150+ meter high ice wall. What have they been hiding down there that's been so secretive — since 1959? Maybe Eric Dubay has the answers. Many of my own middle of nowhere overland journeys have been more than rough and rugged. The overland one and two pages have more on this.

Self-driving through countries across continents has both positive and negative issues. Purchasing used vehicles is recommended for long duration journeys over 12-24 months. Vans are the best option, a constant moving hotel on wheels. Driving at your own pace in your own vehicle stopping at any given location can't be matched. Knowing how to do roadside repairs is a must. A selection of backup spare parts and tools is also required. Don't just rely on SAT Navigation and Goolag — reading from backup land maps is sometimes required. Totally avoid using EV junk! Instead, use diesel and gasoline powered vehicles. Top five negatives 1) oncoming traffic involving insane local drivers (truck and bus drivers included) 2) night driving — Don't even think about it! 3) Roadside camping — avoid it with vehicle plates from other countries. 4) Hide all valuables out of sight with vehicles parked close as possible to street vendors — they will watch your car for a small fee. 5) Be familiar with road routes known for highway banditry — avoid them, or follow behind other moving vehicles en-route. I've successfully driven throughout South America  with VW Kombi vans — twice.  Also by motorbike, bought in Aussie to the Middle East — zero issues. Self-driving in Africa and Asia has been with rented vehicles and motorbikes — zero issues. The most important, is to be aware and alert at all times behind the wheel. There's no room for driver error offshore. Most craziest drivers 1) India, Turkey, South Africa, Central African Republic, Venezuela. Repeat — Avoid night driving offshore if you value your life.         

Wildlife theme

Looking for a break escape away from city life? Wetland regions are the perfect locations seeking tranquility. The sounds of different birdlife brings you back to nature. The only item required is camera gear capturing images like above and below — excludes smartphones and point & shoots.

Wildlife sanctuaries differ greatly in what they present online compared to what is actually seen in real time. Glossy wildlife images are  advertised for one purpose only — creating income revenue, so don't expect wilderness wildlife to be waiting for you. Wildlife are always on the move. Having time without rushing off in a hurry elsewhere or returning to the same locations the following day can give positive results. It's all about timing. Using your own transport getting around at your own pace solves issues when being with others. Think about it, most traveling offshore visit wetlands and wildlife parks only one time — make the best of it, or regret the same mistake that many do.

Long prime lenses are essential for capturing distant shots. It's beyond embarrassing watching smartphone travelers trying to capture long shots of wildlife past 400 meters. As the saying goes "never arrive to battlefields without the right weaponry and knowing how to use it". Getting as close as possible to isolated watering holes at daybreak and late afternoons usually gives positive results. I avoid promoting camera brands and camera gear on this website — only what's personally been used past and present. Below, an open bill stork above the tree tops taken from distance with a 12 MP 2007 Nikon D3 in the 2020s. Lenses are more important than camera bodies — Got It?

Capturing shots of Egyptian vultures feeding on fresh carcasses — Nikon D3, Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS manual focus lens. 

Traveling countless overland mileage to isolated wilderness regions offshore capturing images like above without using tripods is a no brainer. Don't expect getting closeup to raptors and vultures with photo gear in the wild. The use of tripods when at any remote location becomes valuable capturing images of raptors.

Don't be like others righting off older photo gear. The above and below images prove just that. Running out buying the latest camera gear stuff doesn't make you a better photographer. Spending a ton of cash on a guitar doesn't make you a better guitar player. Just because something newer looks better doesn't necessarily mean older stuff needs to be replaced. The world of consumer spending using constant glossy advertising is rigged. You have to ask yourself — Do I really need it, or should I be like others keeping up with the Joneses?      

There are still a few isolated regions offshore where total freedom exists without the need of guides and ripoff permits photographing roaming wildlife. The chances of self-tracking spotting snow leopards high up in the Himalaya during peak midwinter are one of these locations. I learnt how to track and spot animals from a background history of hunting wild pigs and deer. That's how the above image was captured, by looking for pug tracks and droppings. Below, a salt water swamp tiger taken with a mid-1980s Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS manual focus prime & 2012 D800 in 2023, from 70+ meters onboard a bush boat.

Street Photography theme

Street photography is heavily categorized in today's world of still imagery. Debating what a good image is in the 2020s, resorts to resolution and sharpness — say what? Personally, It's more about composition and subject matter that counts before resolution and sharpness. These random people street shots are quick examples showing just that. A shoe shine boy from 1988, Paraguay taken with an F2 SLR and prime lens has minimal sharpness. Nothing is more important than composition. Bad composition no matter how sharp images are cannot be changed. Today, it's all about taking 500 images within seconds at the same subject hoping one is in focus. Street photography, is about concentrating on that one shot and composition.      

Capturing closeup people shots — Asia, South America, Africa, Middle East — Interacting with subjects first makes the difference.

There's no special technique capturing random people shots apart from getting the best composition possible. It also doesn't matter what camera gear is used as long as subjects are in focus. The difference between the above street portraits compared to the below street shots, is in plain sight. Interacting versus non-interacting. As mentioned many times through this website, capturing the best random offshore street portraiture, is by interacting with subjects first.     

What's the the most important of all capturing closeup people shots? Interacting with subjects first. Without using dialogue with total strangers, the chances of getting that one shot of anyone looking directly at the lens is almost impossible. The examples above show positive results, because of interacting with them beforehand. Interaction time can take a minute, or an hour. In general, many people become camera shy, especially when full frame DSLR cameras are pointed at them. The second most important thing to do, is showing subjects the image captures, which is always appreciated.  

I personally prefer subjects looking at the lens, although somewhat difficult with people on the go in a rush on a mission going somewhere. On lazy days, I'll mount a long range lens on a tripod at certain locations where plenty of local activity is within reach. If locations are positive  I'll return a few times over a week. The one downside which is easily rectified, is to move to other spots at each location avoiding the same backgrounds.   

Random people shots of locals using full frame DSLR cameras with zoom and prime lenses  

Overland travel street photography in the 2020s is still vivid as it was from decades past. Those having interacting skills with total strangers will easily capture closeup people shots of locals anywhere through continents. It may take two minutes, maybe ten minutes at most getting positive shots just like these examples. Every subject reacts differently when looking into the lens. It's always necessary to take several images of subjects. One capture will stand out better than the rest.    

The above three images show slight softness for good reason. They are 80% cropped enlarged from their original files removing full body, a second subject and open space. Doing the same crop enlargements with point and shoot cameras would be subpar unusable. This is the difference between smartphone cameras, point and shoots and full frame cameras. Even more importantly, is what lens is being used. It's not all about image sharpness, although that's what has been pushed in photography since the mid-2000s. At the time these images were taken, the 12MP D3 had a mounted 1996-05 AF 28mm prime lens. I personally avoid changing lenses when outdoors — no matter the location or subject. Both D3 body and 28mm prime are still being used in the 2020s for street photography.          

Above, during a second overland journey through Venezuela. Those looking for countries all to themselves to travel through having zero fluffy tourists and no travel bloggers — Venezuela is for you. Getting through Venezuela solo for 3 months, and leaving with all the stuff you had arrived with, including no loss of cash, without being drugged with drained credit cards are those who have done serious overland travel knowing all the tricks and scams.    

Typical on the go street snaps using fixed prime and zoom lenses with full frame DSLR Nikon bodies. 

Markets like above have been the perfect locations for random still photography through the decades. It's normal returning to the bustling locations two or three times capturing people shots. I normally use a lengthy zoom and prime lens in markets.

Typical random street snaps captured in different decades within bustling outdoor markets — South America, Africa, images ©RH

Not every first image randomly taken of subjects is perfect. A small amount of Interaction goes a long way — Nikon D3 snaps  

Randomly photographing people in public places has become a controversial issue heavily debated in the last decade — blame the increasing usage of smartphone cameras for that. One only needs to look at the stupidity of foreign tourists and social media influencers taking rude, raunchy, semi-naked images in Bali, Sri Lanka, Dubai, even sex scenes videoed on top of Cheops. It adds fuel to the fire of distrusting foreigners offshore placing everyone in the same basket. It only takes a few idiots to destroy what was unheard of just to gain five minutes of fame — the blame is pointed at social media, and travel influencers. If social media platforms were shut down, and smartphones banned, the planet would probably be better off without those narcissistic addictions.                 

Simple straight forward street shots of locals going about their daily routines — DSLR full frame & zoom lens.

Mood Chill theme — (all tracks lifetime licensed)

Where does one chill out taking short breaks during overland journeys through the planet? Almost anywhere one feels comfortable enough until continuing on elsewhere into the void. It could be locations mentioned in travel guide books, or recommended by other fellow travelers.

In general, the overland traveler halfway through an 18 month journey isn't that choosy where they stay. As long as there's a food source, a lockable room, and a place to wash dirty laundry. And if likable, an extra week of stay is added. Above images, a UK national taking time out in India. Top right, 1980s classic Polaroid snap, Takasaki, Japan surviving decades inside a scrap album.

Chill out camping offshore requires a good reliable tent. This Macpac light year goretex tunnel tent only weighed one kilo, had 3 pegs, and took under 2 minutes setup time. It was purchased new in the early eighties, and used through South America (twice), east and west Africa, east and western Europe, north, south, central and south east Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and NZ totaling decades of overland travel and usage. It was when Macpac had made quality designed stuff — 100% NZ made, a well bygone era! I sold the tent only a few years ago — Big mistake! Today, nothing is designed and made to last — It doesn't  generate profit. Below, a low res snap from a high res image chilling out @4400M enjoying the ambience. About Page    

Remember when image sharpness was unheard of, and no one really cared? In the 1980s all that was required was lens focus before taking shots. Below, a typical roll film street snap taken with a Nikon F2 and 200 f4 AI lens — late 1980s South America.

This overland travel website does not use other people's images — it would be plain boring. Although, even the majority of images through the pages are mostly low res only, there are reasons for that. The loading time is already slow and would be even slower if high res images were used. Website image theft is rampant, so why give website image thieves  high resolution images. I certainly haven't traveled throughout the planet taking images for others to use expanding their social media egos, or to use, modify, and crop profiteering income from my sweat. It's more difficult than what most assume creating a similar website like this. One requires extensive travel time over many decades to accumulate their own images. That's what makes this solo overland travel website different to others — the content material.
The website is all about what one person sees and can achieve looking through the lens. That one shot that may have been taken in the 1980s, 90s, 2000's 2010s, and now in the 2020s.

A small amount of interaction with the subject captured the above winter street shot with a 12 MP DSLR D3. The below lenses have been part of numerous overland journeys. They've captured shots that point and shoots and junky smartphone cameras struggle to do — even on blue sky sunny days. I've been down that road once never to return. I still use Nikon DSLR camera gear in the 2020s. Photo Gear Page    

Some street photographers hang on to certain camera bodies and lenses they've been using for years that give good results. I'm one of them. The need of updating lenses, is only required when complete failure happens — which has never happened over four plus decades. I haven't had a single failure with a camera body or lens. They've all worked consecutively. It's even rear now to purchase brand new camera gear. Why waste hard earned cash splashed out on new stuff when anything can be bought second hand. We're now in the lightweight age of camera gear. The mirrorless age. In the 2020s, when mounting DSLR's and manual focus lens on tripods, I get asked why I'm still using old technology. We do live within a marketing consumer world believing that everything and anything newer is better — Really? I don't think I'll be selling my 1986 Nikkor 800 5.6 AIS lens just yet. The Nikkor 800 5.6 ED AIS lens is straight from old school. A manual focus only lens weighing 5.5kg. It isn't the friendly little featherweight lenses people use today. Amazingly, this lens have never failed within extreme environments capturing images.

An aged location snap from the 1980s traveling with photo gear overland through south and central America. 

Avoiding being a camera lens couch potato addicted to counting pixels, is good advice. Instead, get out through the planet traveling with camera gear getting the best out of what you use. It's always that one shot that counts — no matter the camera body, the lens used in any environment.

Even though DSLR DX format cameras are good substitutes instead of full frame photo gear, don't go down the path, like many have spending big on DX lenses. What usually happens, is the selling off of DX camera gear replacing it with full frame bodies and lenses. This is a waste of money investing in stuff only to sell it for next to nothing a few years later. Years ago, I did use a D300 for taking quick location and on the go snaps with a DX 18-70 lens. Low light shots with the D300 were grainy. It was a backup body with  2 D700s and a D3.  

Above,  Nikkor 400mm 3.5 ED AIS prime. One of Nikon's early 1980s tele lenses, all metal constructed - works well on any body. 

When over-landing through continents, what's the most important item apart from photo gear? The baggage your camera and tripod gear is packed and carried in. Without using reliable robust camera baggage, the contents becomes vulnerable to sudden damage. Bush bus drivers all have one thing in common. They pack, load and throw stuff in the quickest fastest way possible. Locals have no issues stepping on and sitting on baggage that's not their own. If baggage is stored on roofs of buses, never wait for someone else unloading it. They throw baggage off the sides of buses with no mercy. Above, a Manfrotto MBAG80P. The same tripod bag has been used overland through four continents since 2010. It took 2300km onboard different transport reaching this high elevated isolated location — in midwinter, with zero damage to the contents or tripod bag. When you hear or read that newer product designs are better — It's promotional lies!       

Below, a location snap taken with smartphone junk. If you value every image you're going to capture through your overland journeys — Don't rely traveling just using smartphones, no matter the brand, or how many lenses and megapixels they have. Take good advice, travel using real camera gear. Get familiar using new cameras well before departure. Purchasing good second cameras and lenses — KEH USA     

Roll Film 1980s-1990s

Being a vivid user of medium format roll film decades ago, one quickly realizes the exaggerated hype of 150 megapixel smartphone junk. Almost any subpar image looks good on smartphones. They were partially designed for that reason. It's not until cropping enlarging images 400% to see how image quality really looks. Grain and softness are the usual issues. Above, 6x7 roll film proof sheet only. The middle, a crop from the right side image. Just imagine if the original negatives were used. Mamiya 7 snaps. As for smartphone junk, I personally keep them switched off inside a wire mesh case - No joke. Smartphones are the most evasive device used by global population. And I thought cocaine meth addiction was bad. Smartphones are nothing more than snooping, spying, listening tracking government wet dream devices.         

Overland travel during the 1980s and 90s capturing images was with roll film. Most travelers, including myself used an assortment of slide, color and black & white. Some known brands were Kodachrome, Fujifilm, Kodacolor and Ilford for 135mm and medium format cameras. Roll film image snaps taken in the 1980s are easily recognized by their aging colors. It's almost impossible for digital images to have the same finished results. Digital images redone for that retro look are to clean and smooth. I normally traveled with at least 2 bodies, one for color, the other dedicated to black and white. The examples shown are only copies of copies. The original negatives are packed down in deep storage half a world away.   

Classic SLR 135mm roll film snaps from the 1980s. A bygone decade that was more down to earth for obvious reasons — there was no internet, no toxic social media, no smartphones, and wokeness wasn't fully hatched. Gen Z travelers find it difficult experiencing what real travel freedom was all about. Leaving social media and switching off smartphones is a good start.

Lunar Rapid 90° Rotations - DSLR Still Shots

Most traveling offshore enjoy capturing lunar shots at different locations. I'm certainly one of them. What's more enjoyable are capturing slow lunar rotations through the night sky, just like above. Even more rewarding, are captures of sudden quick one second 90° rotational shifts back and forth. These occurrences reveal the 69-72 moon landings never happened. Nothing can survive one second 90° degree dual rotations in different directions. NASA today, uses magical CGI and fake composite images of everything and anything beyond low earth orbit. I've even captured four 90° rapid rotations occurring within  20 minutes with original EXIF data — How about that? Most interesting, no one is taking this smoking gun evidence seriously. My DSLR still captures have varying lag time between exposures.

In plain sight, rapid one second 90° two way rotational lunar rotations  — 1. 02:32:32 AM — 2. 02:34:10 AM — 3. 02:34:53 AM

I found my own evidence — on numerous occasions, proving no one, or anything has landed on the Moon. These DSLR still captures reveal, one second super rapid 90° rotations. Lag time between still shots vary i.e. readjusting tripod head angle, refocusing the lens, Since 1958, NASA have been the fake space gatekeepers. NASA images beyond low earth orbit are composites only i.e. all marble Earth images, planets, solar system and galaxies are computer made composites. NASA since 1969, have never produced any live non-stop video feed in real time of Earth, from distance, showing Earth's  full shape and form. There are obvious reasons NASA has never returned to the Moon — no one has been beyond low Earth orbit. Consumer camera and video advancement have caught up with NASA. The deception and fakery is so great, people find it difficult waking up, preferring to remain asleep. Now we know the Moon landings are fake tells you everything NASA has apparently done in space, 1972 onward, are also fake i.e. water bubbles floating vertically in space (swimming pool), ISS CGI green screen multiple failures, including what most people don't realize — Zero stars, not one star shown in images, video, or live feed by NASA, including NASA's affiliate space agencies (Israel, China, India). What does that tell you?

This 90° rotation occurred under 52 seconds between these two image captures. Fast rapid lunar shifts rotating back and forth @90° degrees occurs through 12 hour cycles. And no one is talking about it, even when showing real time proof? This is the smoking gun NASA Moon landings are fake. NASA are the gatekeepers of fake space. Anything landing on the Lunar surface would have difficultly surviving super rapid 90° rotating shifts, like above. Modules, and so called "astronauts" would be flung off into space during this event. We have been lied to for decades. This deception began in the early 1960s. It was made to conceal the coverup in Antarctica. Everything about space travel past low Earth orbit is fake. NASA has been caught out too many times. 120 negative roll film cannot survive lunar temperatures. Instead, all those perfectly in-focus Lunar snaps were taken inside a massive studio at an air force base. Air bubbles floating upward while in space reveals their "missions" were done in large confined swimming pools. Numerous CGI green screen glitches are past embarrassing. All marble Earth images are composites — done in Photoshop. Instead, focus your mind at Antarctica. Everything points to Antarctica. It always has been. This is why NASA, the gatekeepers (like Smithsonian) have purposely had everyone looking in the wrong direction staring up into space, since the 1960s. NASA's authority colludes with NASA affiliates, Russia, China, India and Israel space launches. They require to keep global populations busy into believing their space deception. The secrets of Antarctica beyond the ice wall, is so secret, even penguins located 60° South, in all directions of center North don't talk about it. Like anything today. Do your own research - trust nothing question everything — More images and data at the bottom of the photo gear page.     

Astro snaps taken with the much forgotten DSLR  D800. The above with an 800 5.6 ED AIS 1986 lens, the below with a 1996 AF 28 1.4 ED prime. Nothing is impossible to capture with photo gear one already possess. Why waste hard earned cash on newer stuff that can be used on other things. if you've got camera bodies and lenses sufficient enough to do the job. If you're like myself and others out there who don't rely selling their images for income, you certainly don't need to waste time and cash on the latest trending photo gear. Even if one needs a must get lens, purchasing used equipment is the way to go — KEH Camera USA