Expedition Alaska

Life is a memory we never wish to forget

[mayleeandme-blog]

[mayleeandme-blog]

I tend to put myself in risky situations, like standing on loose dirt above the lip of a near 200ft waterfall. But then I step back and realize that life can sometimes resemble the lip of a waterfall. You can't always see over it, or see what's at the bottom, and even though you may be so very curious you know it's best to step back to safety. Such is life, and it's so important to listen to the signs given to you by God. The risk isn't always worth the reward, and taking a step back can lead to the best views. #palousefalls #washington #pnw #waterfalls #expeditionalaska #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #builtnotbought #livetheadventure #liveyouradventure #loveyourlife #loveislife #godislove #godishope #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #theadventuresofdougandmaylee #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere (at Palouse, Washington)

[mayleeandme-blog]

Someone take me back. Oh Washington, I miss you. If I could live on the road, constantly traveling and seeing new places, I wouldn't think twice about it. My truck runs better than it ever has, and I'm experiencing quite the wanderlust to get back out and explore. #washington #pnw #rainforest #moss #green #expeditionalaska #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #builtnotbought #livetheadventure #liveyouradventure #loveyourlife #loveislife #lifeontheroad #redbullpointofyou #godislove #godishope #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #theadventuresofdougandmaylee #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere (at Mount Rainier National Park)

[mayleeandme-blog]

Transmission update: The truck finally runs!!! After I finished installing the transmission I also replaced the fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs, and put in a metal exhaust bushing to replace the destroyed mesh one. It's an amazing feeling to know every nut and bolt under the truck, and what has been touched by me and what hasn't. Knowing your vehicle is so important, especially if you travel alone as much as I do. I'm excited to embark on new adventures, who wants to come with me ☺?! #expeditionalaska #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #builtnotbought #livetheadventure #liveyouradventure #loveyourlife #loveislife #godislove #godishope #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #pnw #washington #mtrainier #thelifeofanadventurer #theadventuresofdougandmaylee #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

"There are so many places to see, but yet not nearly enough time to see them all" . . #pnw #oregon #mysecondhome #mthood #water #expeditionalaska #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #builtnotbought #livetheadventure #liveyouradventure #loveyourlife #loveislife #godislove #godishope #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #theadventuresofdougandmaylee #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

This is from my time spent in my favorite national park so far to this day. Mount Rainier National Park is a beautiful place, and is majestic in so many ways. I always look forward to spending time here, and could get lost in the vast wilderness for days at a time. If you ever get a chance to visit this place, please do! You most definitely won't regret it. Tomorrow I have to pull the new transmission back out and fix a few mistakes from installing it. I will be honest, I'm tired, I'm sore, and this is a mentally draining task when you're fighting the elements and doing it on the ground. It's supposed to snow 3"-5", the Temps will be in the 30s, and the wind will be unforgiving. But I know that I can do it, it will be done, and everything I'm putting into this will be worth it in the end. God's plan is greater than my own, and I'm always at his mercy. #expeditionalaska #overlandalaska2018 #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #builtnotbought #livetheadventure #liveyouradventure #loveyourlife #loveislife #godislove #godishope #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #theadventuresofdougandmaylee #wanderlust #pnw #washington #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

For those who just started following my journey and progress of my truck and the slow preparation towards my trip to Alaska, this is for you. This is a self-portrait I snagged of myself at the end of last summer. I'm a 26 year old guy with a dream and a passion to live my life for God, and to spend as much time traveling this country and the world as I can. I'm not wealthy financially, but I am rich in spirit and tend to find the positive in every situation. I have a small dog who I've had since she was 8 weeks old, and she turns 6 this year. Everything I own I have worked very hard for, and to be able to travel the way I do I live a very frugal lifestyle. I've been living out of the back of my truck for 2 years, winter and summer, and I can't say I regret it at all. Today was very discouraging in the progress of swapping the transmissions out in my truck, but I know in time things will get better!! Stay positive everyone, and if you work hard enough to achieve your dreams they will come true ☺ @cvttents @yakimaracks @maxtraxhq @redbull @overlandbound #expeditionalaska #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #builtnotbought #livetheadventure #liveyouradventure #loveyourlife #loveislife #godislove #godishope #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #theadventuresofdougandmaylee #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

The weather was beautiful today, which made for a long day of work on the truck. A good friend of mine helped me today, and I'm super thankful for that. We removed the exhaust, the starter, and finally the transmission!!! There isn't much left underneath the truck, but the new transmission will go in tomorrow and it'll be back on the road in a few days! This is by far the hardest mechanical repair I've ever done, but I love being able to repair my own vehicle. If you've never worked on your own car, I encourage you try it the next time something goes wrong. It can be a very fun and rewarding experience, or also a good way to blow off some steam. I'll post more updates tomorrow ☺ #expeditionalaska #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #builtnotbought #livetheadventure #pnw #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

My ribs are bruised, my shoulder is killing me, and the snowy/rainy weather has made it difficult to make much progress. But progress is progress!! I snapped this photo after I had the truck set on jack stands and before the snow. I have both driveshafts pulled, the transmission crossmember, the transfer case skid plate, and finally the transfer case. I still have the hard work ahead of me, but I'm looking forward to getting it done ☺ #expeditionalaska #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #builtnotbought #livetheadventure #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #redbullpointofyou #thelifeofanadventurer #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

The transmission swap has begun! So instead of posting a photo of my truck on jack stands, I figured I'd post one of me parked on the beach in Pacific City, Oregon. This was from about 2ish years ago I believe, and this was a fun and interesting day. PS. Follow my story for more detailed updates with the swap, I'll post more regularly there ☺ #expeditionalaska #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #builtnotbought #livetheadventure #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

I'm sitting here dealing with a bit of wanderlust and scrolling through old photos on my phone. This is from when I spent time in the California high desert volunteering at a summer camp. "There are times when nothing else is necessary in life. The amenities, the crowds, big cities, busy highways, or crowded streets can all be left behind. The best way to discover who you are, and what you desire to be, is to spend time alone. Sometimes all it takes is a hammock, a few trees, and the sounds of nature. God created this earth for us to enjoy, to be a part of, and to treasure to the fullest extent of happiness." #godislove #godishope #ocacc #california #expeditionalaska #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #livetheadventure #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

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I am always in between trips and spending time on the road. My biggest passion in life as a sport is snowboarding, and despite the injuries I have suffered this season I have recovered and returned with more courage than before. There are so many people in my life that encourage me to push harder and live to pursue my dreams, and I thank them for that. When I'm out on the road I am at peace with God and within my heart, and I thank him everyday for the blessings he provides for me. To others, this backside 180 may not seem like much. But to me it is proof that no matter the injury, the ups and downs, the struggles and hardships, you can pursue and achieve absolutely anything you put your mind towards. Never forget that friends, life is a beautiful thing and we should live each day with the most contagious love and positivity. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter ☺ #easter #godislove #godishope #snowboarding #snowdreaming #snowlife #mountains #breckenridge #gobreck #visitbreck #exploresummit #breckdaily #tenmilerange #gimpcrew #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #livetheadventure #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

Whenever I'm not messing around with my truck or snowboarding, I enjoy photography. I still have a lot to learn, but I absolutely love taking pictures of the places I've been to! And the memories attached to the photo make it that much better. I am blessed to be able to live the life I lead, and by no means is it always easy. I embrace the good with the bad, the highs with the lows, and do my best to hold my head high no matter what the situation is. Many people don't understand why I do what I do, but that never slows me down or keeps me from doing what I love. I live my life the only way I know how, as a daily adventure. Tomorrow is Easter, spend time in church, with loved ones and close friends. God is love, and always provides no matter what. #easter #godislove #godishope #photography #canon #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #livetheadventure #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

This isn't the greatest quality photo, but this is what it looks like from the inside of the truck when I'm in the back with everything closed up. For what it is and the limited space I have, it's quite cozy!! If anyone has any questions on how I designed this area and built it feel free to send me a PM!! @overlandbound @yakimaracks @redbull @cvttents @maxtraxhq #expeditionalaska #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #livetheadventure #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #theadventuresofdougandmaylee #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

Here's an old photo from about a year ago. A very close friend of mine took me on this trail, there were a few sketchy parts, I lost a fender flare, and the truck gained some character. But overall it was so much fun and I would definitely do it again!! @overlandbound @yakimaracks @cvttents @redbull #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #livetheadventure #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

This is what is hiding under the topper on my truck. This is my home, which I have been living out of for just a little over 2 years. I have learned what I can and can't live without, and what I truly need to survive. I'm hoping to replace this before my trip with a rooftop tent from @cvttents and build a drawer system for storage. People ask me all of the time, "do you ever feel homeless since you don't have an actual home?" I answer with, "define what a home truly is." #expeditionalaska #fordranger #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #conquerthetrail #livetheadventure #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #theadventuresofdougandmaylee #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere

[mayleeandme-blog]

For those who just started following my progress towards my trip to Alaska, this is for you! This is my truck. It is a 2007 Ford Ranger, V6 4.0L automatic and I have owned it for around 3 years now. This was the last clean picture I took of it before winter, so I figured I would share this one! The truck has changed drastically from when I first bought it, and will change a bit more over the summer. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions about my truck, or what I plan to upgrade! @cvttents @earthboundoverland @overlandbound @yakimaracks @redbull #expeditionalaska #expeditionranger #overlandrig #adventurerig #houseonwheels #fordranger #conquerthetrail #livetheadventure #getoutsidestayoutside #getoutandexplore #thelifeofanadventurer #wanderlust #nomadicwanderer #adventureon #gothere