Eric, Jim, Justin, Kevin, Robbie & Tom (Not Shown)

Introduction:

The Vagabonds are a group of Ford Ranger enthusiasts within The Ranger Station (TRS) that enjoy exploring remote areas by way of unpaved roads while camping in different areas as the adventure unfolds. Our goal is to honor the original Vagabonds, educate ourselves and others about the areas we travel to and promote the Ford Ranger as an overlanding and adventure vehicle while educating and inspiring others. By today’s standards we would be called ‘Overlanders’, but the original Vagabonds, or “Four Vagabonds” were doing adventure travel long before overlanding was a thing.

Overlanding – Overlanding is self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal. Typically, but not exclusively, it is accomplished with mechanized off-road-capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping, often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and spanning international boundaries.

Adventure travel – Is a type of tourism, involving exploration or travel with a certain degree of risk (real or perceived), and which may require special skills and physical exertion.

Vagabond – A person who wanders from place to place without a fixed home: one leading a vagabond life: of, relating to, or characteristic of a wanderer.

The Original Vagabonds:

From 1914-1924 Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison, and John Burroughs calling themselves “the Four Vagabonds” embarked on a series of cross-country summer camping trips and their adventures were well-documented and publicized.  On these trips they communed with nature, explored their personal interests and acted like boys again. These were not young men. With John Burroughs, “the saintly lover of nature,” passing away at the age of 83 early in 1921, Edison, at 74 years of age, was now the oldest Vagabond, and Firestone, at 52 years of age, the youngest.

Henry Ford’s interest in nature was not new or merely a public relations gambit. Henry and his wife Clara were avid bird watchers and had over 500 birdhouses installed amid the naturalistic landscaping of their Fair Lane Estate. John Burroughs helped them rehabilitate the adjoining land and reintroduce wildlife to the area.

For more information check out ‘The Vagabonds (Ford, Edison, Firestone & Burroughs)‘

Our Mission:

  • To honor the original Vagabonds (Ford, Firestone, Edison, and Burroughs)
  • To promote the Ford Ranger as an overlanding and adventure vehicle
  • To promote TheRangerStation.com as a Ford Ranger resource and expand the TRS community
  • To educate others about the areas we explore
  • To educate other inspire others to pursue their own adventures

Vagabond Requirements:

Check Out: Vagabond Requirements

Vagabond Trip Reports:

Vagabonds Kentucky Adventure Trail Day One – The Ranger Station

Recent Video: