Life is a journey.

  • Secret drive

    Secret drive

    A lovely private drive winding in and out of the shadows of the forest on a sunny afternoon. A path beckons to one side, where might it lead? We are grateful for the invitations and opportunities as they come. Choose wisely, make the most of what is available, and steward it well.

  • Defender on the island

    Defender on the island

    1997 was the last year Land Rover Defenders were made for the Japanese and North American markets due to the increasingly heavy-handed safety regulations being introduced. It was also the only year that an automatic transmission was offered. The JAS and NAS are almost identical, even to the point of being left-hand-drive, powered by the…

  • Bringing Daisy home

    Bringing Daisy home

    Daisy is a 1997 Japan Specification Land Rover Defender 90 (#594) that was made for the Japanese market, after a few years in the Tokyo area spent a good portion of its life near Osaka driven and cared for by a Japanese woman, and is largely original still and in reasonable shape for a 27-year-old…

  • Downtown Qualicum Beach

    Downtown Qualicum Beach

    A couple of edited snaps from a slightly rainy afternoon on the downtown streets outside a skateboard art gallery event opening. Qualicum Beach is home to one of Canada’s oldest and most infamous skateboard shops, Skull Skates, and the town is in the process of building a new skateboard park.

  • Mainland adventure

    Mainland adventure

    A quick stop next to an ivy covered tree along the upper edge of the river. While on the lower mainland, Daisy had a few things taken care of including a provincial inspection, refresh of wheels and tires, daytime running lights, front bumper cleanup and powder coating, and a general look-over. We are grateful to…

  • When I cross over

    When I cross over

    Some heavily-edited and interesting vistas crossing over to the lower mainland to pick up Daisy, a 1997 Japan Specification Land Rover Defender 90 that spent most of its life in the Kansai area. The final voyage for the hard-working Rad on its way to a new home. See more posts related to Daisy’s journey, restoration,…

  • Spotted: Defender at Solwezi airport

    Spotted: Defender at Solwezi airport

    A year 2000 with relatively low mileage and still working every day, this Defender 110 emergency fire response vehicle at the Solwezi airport has a pickup cab and carries a heavy duty fire pump, tools, and a smaller hose of its own. Bonus sighting of a Zambian Air Force Harbin Y-12.

  • Spotted: Ninety in Windermere

    Spotted: Ninety in Windermere

    Roving reporters spotted a classy old Ninety (pre-defender, 1984-1989) with an updated roof and wheels, sidesteps/sliders, rear work lights, snow cowls and chequerplate on the wings. Note the hinged windscreen brackets and tail light configuration. Bonus sighting of a decades-newer puma variant somewhere near Windermere, note the bump in the bonnet and lack of functioning…

  • Spotted: a blacksmith’s 110

    Spotted: a blacksmith’s 110

    Roving reporters racking up bonus points for combining blacksmiths and land rovers! A mean looking cargo style 110 puma with galvanized roof rack and ladder, front winch bumper and recovery points, NAS rear step bumper, plenty of chequerplate on the bonnet and wings, stylish alloy wheels, offroad underbody protection, and custom graphics. Steve Hicks may…

  • Spring blossoms

    Spring blossoms

    A stop to enjoy the view and make a new friend on an island spring afternoon. The blue sky and fresh blossoms herald the new season. The winter has passed, the summer will come–until then, one day at a time.

  • New leaf

    New leaf

    Taking a few moments to enjoy a spring morning on the island after a long haul. The blue sky and green leaves and fresh blossoms hint at something just around the corner–a change is in the air. Moving forward one day at a time, enjoying the journey along the way.

  • Spotted: Range Rover classic in Japan

    Spotted: Range Rover classic in Japan

    A lovely looking Range Rover classic sitting outside a sushi restaurant in a small town. Four door, V8, all black, with some driving lights on the front bumper, and fairly tidy looking. These are a rare sight in Japan.

  • Japanese countryside

    Japanese countryside

    A curated collection of views from the countryside of Japan in early spring. The mist can be heavy in the mornings and the days are still cool but the sun is beginning to warm the earth. There are a few spring greens but most of the winter colours remain. Plum blossoms are out, sakura have…

  • Spotted: Land Cruiser in Japan

    Spotted: Land Cruiser in Japan

    A pretty classic looking leaf sprung Toyota Land Cruiser sitting outside a cafe in the countryside. In very reasonable looking shape with a bit of rust here and there, which is hard to avoid in Japan. No other info but there is a skateboard sticker on the back end.

  • Spotted: 4wd of Japan

    Spotted: 4wd of Japan

    A digest post documenting a few of the interesting 4wd type vehicle sightings in Japan. Kei cars are a lightweight category under 600cc and are often used a local runabouts and farming or working vehicles. They can be distinguished by yellow coloured license plates and are dwarfed by regular sized mini-vans and suv. Seen below…

Prepare for adventure.

“If you don’t slow down once in awhile, life can pass you by.” Adventures can be far or near, large or small, and each one has a lesson–and a story.