The first thing that comes to mind when I read
this issue is that it has an international feel
to it. I'll sometimes receive emails from folks
asking for less international stories and more
US-based ones. Their reasoning is that most
international trips are unattainable for many of
us due to finances, family or life in general. I can
understand that. I used to be less interested in
reading international stories because I thought
I couldn't connect with them. Most were trips
or areas of the world that I'd most likely never
see. It wasn't until I became the editor that I
realized how amazing these stories were and the
knowledge gained by living vicariously through
other Toyota owners was priceless.
The Landcruising Adventure couple, Coen and
Karin-Marijke, travel along the Demilitarized
Zone of South Korea and give us a little insight
as to what life is like around the world. We're
fortunate to have them as regular contributors to
Toyota Trails. Their adventures are amazing and
they allow us to travel with them through great
photos and enthralling words. The folks that they
meet along the way prove how magical Land
Cruiser ownership can be. It seems so normal in
other countries for the locals to quickly offer a
stranger a place to sleep or a warm meal. Imagine
knocking on someone's Land Cruiser window on
the street and offering them to come into your
home, meet your family and stay for dinner. It's
such a foreign concept to many of us.
This issue also features a much more attainable
international story. Dave Drouin takes us on an
adventure to Newfoundland and Labrador in
Canada as he checks off a few things from his
personal bucket list. That's a doable journey for
most of our US and Canadian-based members,
but it requires a fair amount of seat time and
some real planning. The views look phenomenal
and the area seems amazing. Checking items off
your bucket list is never required and some might
even scoff at the idea of traveling to a place
just for the sake of checking it off the list, but
isn't that kind of the idea? To travel and go see
remote, or even easy to reach and popular areas,
and experience the experience? That's what we're
all trying to do anyway. Dave and his wife give us
a glimpse into their journey and experience.
Southwestern Colorado is an incredibly unique
area and the two major Toyota events (FJ Summit
and 100s in the Hills) always attract a large
contingent of members from the southern states.
Joel Slayton takes us along as a group of TLCA
members leave the humidity of the southeast
behind and climb into the Rockies for FJ Summit
12. I am so fortunate to live here in Colorado and
I always enjoying hearing about other people's
reactions to seeing our beautiful state.
Ron Baldwin's story about installing a locker is
truly a joy to read. It's definitely not a step-by-
step account of what to do. In fact, there are no
instructions or helpful hints whatsoever. But I
bet everyone who reads it can relate and there
will be be some giggles and chuckles along
the way. Everyone knows someone like the old
curmudgeon in Ron's story. If you don't, then
guess what? You're the old curmudgeon.
Finally, I'll admit that I cried while putting this
issue together. This is the first issue I've ever
worked on where my dog, Libby, was not at my
feet as I worked. Libby passed away this week
and it's left an incredible void in my life. She's
logged an enormous amount of miles with me
in our Land Cruiser and we've fished, hunted,
hiked and camped together for the last 12 years.
She was as loyal as they come and was a very
important part of our family. Rest easy ol' girl.
We miss you.
Positive Vibes,
Stan Wright
Denver, Colorado
TOYOTA TRAILS
4
Toyota Trails
Managing Editor
Stan Wright Jr.
editor@tlca.org
Design and Production
Alex Cortani
alex@alexcortani.com
Advertising Manager
Chris Hatfield
(303) 324-8751
hatfieldcb@gmail.com
Staff Photographer
Mike Davidson
Nolen Grogan
Editorial Submissions to:
editor@tlca.org
Truck Tech Editor
Roger Brown
P.O. Box 61092
Sunnyvale, CA 94088-1092
Phone: (408) 247-0422
Fax: (408) 247-1246
r.c.brown@ieee.org
Advertising and Editorial Deadlines:
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call (303) 324-8751 or
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Editorial contributions are welcomed and
should be electronically mailed to editor@
tlca.org. Information in this newsletter is from
varied sources and TLCA gives no warranty
nor claims responsibility as to the accuracy or
completeness.
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holds copyright over material published in
Toyota Trails, on the web and in promotional
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TRAIL HEAD