Unusual tourists pass through Pincher Creek

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Intrepid world-travellers Benny and Steffi Jülich
C. Davis photo

Benjamin ("Benny") and Stephanie (Steffi) Jülich are on an incredible one year North American journey, traveling in a completely rebuilt and modified 1978 Mercedes 1017 AF vehicle, formerly a firetruck. Benny completely rebuilt the vehicle, lowering the weight from 12 tons to 7.5 tons and incorporating a living space complete with shower. It replaces several smaller vehicles the couple have used in various other worldwide adventures.

On Thursday, September 29 they found themselves in Pincher Creek, and were kind enough to pause in their adventures long enough to answer a few questions, aided by a German-speaking passerby.

They took their imposing and colorful vehicle on a test run through France, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco before returning to their native Germany.  Then they had the vehicle shipped to Halifax, Canada, and began a planned one year journey that has taken them through Canada before heading to the U.S. and on to Central and Southern America.  They may decide to ship the vehicle to Columbia, or to Costa Rica and Ecuador, depending on how the spirit moves them.  They plan to end the trip in Buenos Aires and then ship the vehicle back to Germany.

They plan a vague route and take time along the way to relax and explore.  They like getting to know the people and hidden places wherever they go.

Visit www.reisenomaden.de for more information.  Note: the website is in German, but can be translated using Babelfish or the Google translator.