Ice Landing.

Un-wolf-like lupines.

Reykjavik, Iceland – The North Atlantic recedes into moonscape as we descend with a bump into Keflavik.

A church, nestled neatly into the shore, blends into an outcropping of rocks, its steeple the only pin in an apparent plan for stealth. Old tombstones are scattered around like pebbles.

The ground nearby is a wrinkled camouflage shirt of muted greens and browns spattered by purple tufts of lupines.

Riding the Flybus Airport Transfer into Reykjavik, which is 45 minutes away, appears to be the most cost-effective option, unless you’re already renting a car.

It’s a smooth ride past a tight green thread tucked into black, where golfers swing through a few holes. The volcanic rock no doubt offers many more.

Winding through a town, we pass brightly painted homes clad in steel, before tracing the olive green ribs of mountains illuminated by a sun that only sets for three hours these days.

It’s hazy, not unlike me this morning.

And I’ve had even less rest.

Staking Claim.

High-stakes competition.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – “One wiz wit, please."

Apparently, that's the lingo for properly ordering a cheesesteak in Philly.

The please may just be a Canadianism.

The end result, loosely wrapped in wax paper, is a hot sandwich slathered in melted Cheez Whiz (rather than “provy” for provolone) and onions (as opposed to “widdout”).

Cheese and onions: the only two answers you need to know. A sign says you'll be sent to the back of the line if you get it wrong.

I'm not sure they're joking.

Having wandered out to the Liberty Bell, through the historic district and down to Penn's Landing this morning, we've made our way to the epicentre of the city’s longstanding sandwich battle. Originator Pat’s King of Steaks sits kitty-corner to its neon-clad rival, Geno’s Steaks. The two have engaged in friendly competition since the sandwich’s creation in the 1960s.

Despite several cheese options, Cheese Whiz is somehow the 10-1 favourite, with Geno’s claiming to go through 8-10 cases of the processed product daily. Nobody said the sandwich was healthy.

Not a mistake.

Not one to miss out on an origin story, I opt for Pat’s for my first legitimate Philadelphia cheesesteak. Tangy, velvety cheese (or something approximating it, I suppose) coats a mound of shaved meat and a thin layer of onions on a fresh roll. It's pretty quiet, so we're easily able to find a seat after bouncing between separate windows for the sandwich and for a beverage.

A marker commemorating where Sylvester Stallone stood while filming the movie Rocky has been punched into the pavement beside the order window.

I don’t eat much beef, but the sandwich hits the spot. I’m not sure, however, it matched the hearty smoked salmon sandwich I had this morning at the Little Spoon Café.

Overlanding Tips.

Powerpoint presentation: Get in touch with nature.

Kasane, Botswana – I may not yet be as well-seasoned as our meals have been, but, having now overlanded with Africa Travel Co. on the Cape Town to Victoria Falls route, here are a few things I have learned about this trip that can help with your journey:

• Invest in a USB battery charger for your camera, and possibly a backup battery. You won't want to miss a thing. (Except some of the sand – that goes on a while.)
• Extension cords with multiple charging ports (including USB) can reduce strife and stress in camp. See above.
• Sense a theme related to power? Indeed. If you have devices to charge, consider bringing a travel-sized energy bank.
• Credit cards are, in fact, widely accepted. With pin numbers, even, which is more advanced than many places in the United States.
• Always choose the thicker sleeping mat.
• A Bluetooth speaker can inject life into camp.
• Don't hog the 'good' seats; move around the truck.
• Bring Band-Aids: setting-up tents and helping prepare meals can find ways to bite you. (Or, maybe I'm just a danger to myself.)
• Games, music, reading materials or something to occupy the time on some of the longer drives can come in handy and help make you some new friends.
• A great camp cook makes a world of difference. (Thank you, Peter!)
• Most camp sites are a lot less rugged than expected: solid infrastructure, nice washrooms – including showers with warm water – swimming pools and even wi-fi.
• It really can get cool to cold at night, particularly in the desert.
• Ask questions: there's so much to learn and you'll cross paths with some tremendously knowledgeable people.
• There are plenty of opportunities to buy food, snacks and beverages at large grocery stores along the way. Ice cream is always a hit.
• A few excursions require you to pay tips that weren't mentioned at booking, but aren't particularly expensive.
• If you're susceptible to dry skin or cracked heels, bring lotion. It's super dry for the most part, and you'll want to be in sandals much of the time.
• Lens cleaner and a small air blower are invaluable if you have a DSLR; this trip is dustier than a fraternity house.
• You may randomly see a herd of elephants at the side of the highway in the middle of nowhere: keep your eyes peeled.
• Hydrate.

As with everything else in life, you'll get out what you put into it. You're going to spend time in close quarters with all sorts of different people with varied backgrounds, values and work ethic. Roll with it. Energy and positivity can go a long way when you're several days into wake-up calls before the rooster crows.

Embrace the experience and the open road. Safari njema – pole pole.