The family that "gave it all up" and is trying to connect Ushuaia and Alaska in their motorhome left their mark on Mendoza.
For ten of the last twelve years, Micaela Gutiérrez Coll (35) and Martín Arceo (40) lived -practically- the same day, every day . They woke up in their native Bahía Blanca with their children Oliver and África , worked in their alfajores and sweet biscuit factory (Martín is a cook), completed their routine chores and so the day came to an end. The next morning, the same, more or less. A kind of realistic version of "Groundhog Day" .
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“We weren’t very connected to what we had been doing, plus traveling had always been a dream for both of us. We had been mulling the idea over for a while, last year we bought the motorhome – which ended up becoming the means to make the trip happen – and the four of us left Bahía Blanca on October 18th of last year ,” say Mica and Martín , who spent the last 15 days touring Mendoza in their striking vehicle with Oliver (10) and África (4) .
“We put together the route as we go , based on people's recommendations , the weather , and how we feel. As we arrive at a certain location, we decide how to continue, and so far we know we'll continue through Brazil , and nothing else. What we're clear about is that we'll leave Bahía Blanca, arrive in Ushuaia , and our goal is Alaska . The rest is just enjoying the trip ,” they say, always happy and in a good mood.
At first glance, it's impossible for the travelers of Bahía Blanca to go unnoticed on their route. The imposing 1989 Mercedes-Benz 608, with its exposed wooden cabin attached to the rear , catches the attention of even the most inattentive.
"The most striking thing is that this vehicle was originally designed as a cargo vehicle , not a motorhome. But they adapted a tiny house in the back, and it's really working," Martín tells Los Andes while they delight in the wonders of Uspallata in the High Mountains of Mendoza.
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The adventure will now take them to San Juan along the route of La Pampa del Leoncito and Barreal , so the travelers begin to say goodbye to a long stay in Mendoza in which they were able to enjoy Las Leñas, El Sosneado, the city of San Rafael, the Atuel Canyon, the Uco Valley, the City of Mendoza, Villavicencio and Uspallata .
“We got snowed in in Mendoza ! We were staying at a friend's house, and on Sunday , when it snowed, we walked all the way through San Marín Park and made it to El Challao ,” Mica describes.
In addition to the vehicle 's size and the striking wooden structure , the giant banner with the name of this venture ( "Indomitable Spirit" ), the Argentine flag , the legend "From Ushuaia to Alaska," and the social media accounts stand out and decorate the sides of the camper that has now become his world . Or rather, his underworld, so he can travel the world.
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In October 2024 , the family headed south along Route 3 , which connects Bahía Blanca with Tierra del Fuego . However, halfway through the trip, an impromptu change of plans diverted them to Trevelin (Chubut) , with the objective - almost necessary - of visiting the impressive tulip fields.
“We took advantage of the fact that they were the last days of flowering and were able to enjoy them,” Micaela describes.
From there, they continued south along Route 40 , passing through Santa Cruz until they finally reached Ushuaia . And, from the southernmost city in the world, they headed north . They did so via the Carretera Austral (Chile) , visited the island of Chiloé , and, at Valdivia , returned to Argentina via northern Neuquén .
“For overnight stays, we like to stop in more secluded places closer to nature . But if we're in larger cities that can be complicated, the best option is always a gas station ,” say the adventurers , who have friends in different cities—whom they're taking the opportunity to visit —although they're also making new ones along the way.
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Everywhere they pass, whether it's a big city or a humble village, there are dozens of people who invite them to eat, to toast, to share a moment in exchange for stories, anecdotes and laughter .
And among thousands of anecdotes , one of those they will never forget is that eventful attempt to take a bath in the motorhome while in the Valdivia region (Chile) .
“There was a gas leak in one of the gas cylinder hoses, and we hadn't noticed. And when we went to turn on the water heater to take a shower , the entire back of the house exploded . Luckily, we had the fire extinguisher nearby, and we were able to quickly control everything,” Martín recalls.
Even in the face of that emergency, people's solidarity was also essential. With what each of them had, they managed to gather the materials to repair the part of the house that had exploded.
“Also, there were a lot of people around , so the kids started playing with seven other children who were there. “A lot of nice things are really happening to us,” they describe.
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A few days ago, in Uspallata —the last place in Mendoza where the family has made their base—a girl ran up behind them as they drove past in their motorhome . When Mica, Martín, Oliver, and África stopped, this hostess gave them a local souvenir that read: “Follow your dreams.”
Savings, generating content and merchandising: the way to finance the tripThe family from Bahía Blanca was able to finance the first part of their trip with savings . However, as soon as they left, they also began generating content for social media and the web , something they are gradually managing to monetize .
They already have nearly 3,800 subscribers on their YouTube channel, while on Instagram they have nearly 30,000 followers . They also have a travel blog (with recommendations and stories), and on their website they offer deals and benefits with accommodations and other products for their followers.
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“Also, we'll be bringing products to sell along the way ( T-shirts, mates, notebooks ), and the big plan, if all goes well, is to launch our online planner at the end of the month, with our own designs that reflect our experience, so people can order them,” they conclude.
How to follow the journey of "Indomitable Spirit"On YouTube : @EspirituIndomableporelmundo
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