Galactic Adventures

ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 10, 2025

Camper Vans gathered at a campfire at sunset

Welcome to 2025, STORYTELLERS! We are so excited for an adventurous new year with y’all. Our crew is getting geared up to head to the Florida RV Super Show and if you’re in the area, we would love to see you! January 15-19 you can find the Storyteller Team at booth 650. We will have a full lineup available for your perusal: EPIC, HILT, MODE XO, MODE OG and the all-new CREW MODE.

This issue’s featured image is courtesy of HILT owner, Howard Weliver. “On the second week of having our HILT, my wife and I explored Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley.”

Embark on the Ultimate Adventure with Fernweh Guided Expeditions

Joel Hempel, Beast MODE & GXV HILT owner

So, you have a Storyteller MODE Van, GXV Truck or TAXA Towable, and you’ve explored upfitting, mods and some cool gear. Now you’re curious about what it would be like to get “off-road.” Where can the adventure vehicle go? Am I capable of driving off-road? I don’t want to go alone and I'm not sure if I’m ready. What if I get stuck? Where can I learn about driving off-road in a safe place? These are all questions and thoughts many of us have.

At the same time, you have this craving to get out and explore “beyond the pavement.” A thirst to see some amazing places, national parks, national forests, etc. You want to explore, but unsure. We’re here to help quench your thirst and provide you with choices of different types of trips.

Who We Are

Fernweh Guided Expeditions was born from a love of travel and a desire to bring people together. Our name, “Fernweh,” is a German word that translates to a craving to explore faraway places. This spirit drives everything we do. Whether you’re an experienced off-roader or a curious newbie, we’re here to guide you through rugged terrains, stunning landscapes, and hidden gems you won’t find on the beaten path.

Fernweh Guided Expeditions is led by two adventure enthusiasts with the experience and expertise to ensure your journey is both thrilling and safe.

I’m Joel Hempel, the proud owner of a Storyteller Beast MODE van and a recently purchased GXV HILT. A passionate explorer and I’ve driven my van to 44 states (and counting) and been to all 50 states, most recently Alaska. My personal adventures and deep love for off-road travel mean I know exactly what it’s like to take that first leap into uncharted terrain. To ensure your safety, I’ve recently become Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certified.

Joining me is Benjamin Borgens, our Head Trailblazer, who has a background of offroad racing and has been in the off-road guiding business for many years. His expertise spans vans, trucks, motorcycles, and more. Benjamin is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR), adding another layer of safety to our expeditions. Together, our combined experiences create an environment where you can learn, grow, and explore with confidence.

Where Adventure Meets Exploration
Each Fernweh expedition is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in breathtaking destinations while providing a balance of exploration, education, and fun. Imagine:

Colorado: Guided birdwatching to witness stunning migratory birds.
Michigan and Vermont: Mountain biking with a professional mountain biker guiding the way.
Montana: Guided fly fishing on the legendary Madison River.
Arkansas, New Mexico, and Arizona: Rugged landscapes perfect for off-road adventures.
All-Women’s Trip in Tennessee: Hosted by 3 talented females—an offroad instructor, a photographer, and a chef—a truly empowering experience including off-road driving skills and recovery training.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy:
Sharing amazing meals under the stars, catered by chefs who make camp dining an experience to savor.
Capturing the moment with professional photography to ensure our memories can relive again and again.
Giving back to the communities we visit through partnerships with local non-profits.
Building confidence with off-road skills training and the chance to master your vehicle’s capabilities.

Every destination offers unique opportunities to connect—with nature, new friends, and your own sense of adventure.

Partnerships with Purpose
We are proud to partner with organizations like the Overland Expo Foundation, Tread Lightly, and the Wildwood Open Land Foundation. These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to supporting open land, recreating responsibly, and respecting the lands we explore. Through these collaborations, we strive to leave every place we visit better than we found it while inspiring others to do the same.

Why Join Us?
We believe the best adventures are shared, and that’s why our expeditions are about more than just stunning landscapes and thrilling drives. They’re about building a community of like-minded explorers who value storytelling, laughter, and the bonds that form over shared experiences.

Picture this: your rig parked in a crescent of vehicles around a glowing campfire, the smell of freshly prepared dinner wafting through the air. Conversations flow as tales of the day’s adventures—the steep trails conquered, the wildlife spotted, the unexpected turns—bring the group closer together. The night sky stretches endlessly above, and you feel a deep sense of connection, not just to the world around you, but to the people you’ve met on this incredible journey.

Don’t Miss Out

Adventure is calling, and we’re here to answer. Whether you’re looking to escape the everyday, learn new skills, or simply share an unforgettable experience with others,

Fernweh Guided Expeditions offers the perfect opportunity to make it happen. Our 2025 calendar is packed with exciting trips, spaces are limited—don’t let your spot slip away!

Visit www.fernwehguidedexpeditions.com to learn more about our upcoming adventures, meet our team, and discover how you can join the Fernweh Crew. See you on the trail!

Adventure with Purpose!!

Deck the Vans: A Holiday STOry

The 2nd Annual Deck the Vans took place at Lopez Lake in Arroyo Grande, CA right before the holidays. More than 75 people in over 50 vans came to spend the weekend together, compete in an ugly sweater contest, have a raffle where everyone got something thanks to the amazing sponsors(!) and play white elephant.

A huge thanks to Peter Esparza, Evelyn Mendoza and David Moorleghem for putting the event together and making it such a fun weekend!

Everyone also brought toys to donate to families that lost their belongings due to the wildfires in Ventura County. We continue to be amazed at the incredible generosity of the Storyteller community!

Happenings @ HQ: The 3rd Annual Giving Tree

Summer Trammell, Chief Engagement Officer

Three years ago, I started “The Giving Tree” at our Storyteller Headquarters. Every year, we have had the opportunity to support three families in need to fulfill their Christmas wishlists. Similar to the Salvation Army Angel Trees, we decorate the Christmas trees throughout the STO HQ with tags featuring gift wishes from the families we are supporting. Our team members can take as many tags as they want and purchase the gifts.

This year, we partnered with an incredible local organization, One Place, that supports individuals and families that are victims of domestic violence. A lot of these families are completely starting over from scratch with few dollars to their name. This year, we were able to fulfill over 70 Christmas wishes! Similar to the generosity we see so often from the Storyteller community, we are always so grateful for the immense generosity of our team members who take the time and spend their money to bring a brighter Christmas to these families.

Life's Greatest Luxury is saying YES to the Next Grand Adventure!

We'd love to hear your stories and see your pictures from the road!
Send to Emma at:

Emma.Walsmith@storytelleroverland.com

Emma Walsmith with her STO Classic MODE Adventure Van

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Galactic Adventures

ISSUE 12 | JANUARY 10, 2025

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