Passport Overland

Western Coast

Temperate maritime coast, north-to-south along the western continental edge. Dense conifer, river valleys, sea cliffs, coastal fog. Route follows the former coastal road for much of its length; surface condition varies from intact asphalt to broken pavement with vegetation intrusion. Southern half transitions to drier chaparral and open grassland above eroded bluffs. Two tidal fording points in the northern third—low-tide window approximately four hours at each; high-tide depth exceeds 1,100 mm. Passes a fenced perimeter at approximately km 680: forty-odd acres, grounds maintained, multiple structures visible, access road gated. Terminus at a sheltered cove with a maintained concrete pier and a cluster of intact storage structures.

Basin and Range

High desert, intermountain interior. East-west crossing between the western coastal range and the continental divide. Alkaline flats, canyon country, mesa, volcanic remnant. Terrain alternates between broad basins at 1,200–1,500 m and narrow passes through eroded ranges. Several maintained structures observed from the route, including a cluster on a high plateau at approximately km 890: steel frame, rammed earth, photovoltaic skin, clearly operational. Instrument anomalies between km 1,140 and km 1,160—compass deviation exceeds 15°, onboard navigation unreliable. Stellar or landmark navigation required for this segment. Origin point at a former dam structure, concrete intact, spillway dry. Terminus at a maintained compound at the base of the divide—three structures, solar array, vehicle tracks observed.

Divide Transit

High alpine, continental divide, north-to-south. Glacial terrain, scree, alpine meadow, snowfield, cirque lake. Route traverses the spine of the continent along former mountain roads and fire tracks. Pass summits at 3,200 m and 3,400 m. Gradient sustained above 12% for 40 km on the steeper ascents. Loose scree surface on exposed descents requires low-range gearing. One segment between km 460 and km 480 crosses an area where compass deviation exceeds 20° and onboard navigation systems do not function. Landmark navigation required; visible reference points documented in the route detail. The source of the interference is not identifiable from the terrain. Snow cover above 2,800 m from late autumn through late spring—ford depths and surface conditions at these elevations change accordingly. Origin at the maintained compound that terminates Basin and Range. Terminus at a large intact structure on a south-facing slope—stone foundation, timber frame, extensive solar collection, vehicle bay.

Great Plain

Continental grassland, semi-arid to humid, east-west crossing of the interior lowland between the continental divide and the eastern deciduous zone. Open terrain for most of the route—no reliable track for approximately 600 km in the central section. Navigation by landmark and compass; dominant landmarks are isolated buttes, eroded sandstone formations, and river courses. Dry riverbed crossing at approximately km 740 becomes impassable when substrate is saturated—bearing capacity drops below vehicle weight; wait for drainage (typically 48–72 hours) or take the northern detour, which adds 60 km. Eastern third transitions to taller grass and scattered hardwood. Ford depths increase eastward with higher annual rainfall. Origin at the Divide Transit terminus. Terminus at a maintained bridge over a large north-south river—steel truss, deck intact, load capacity verified.

Eastern Seaboard

Deciduous forest, piedmont, coastal plain. North-to-south along the eastern continental margin. Route passes through formerly dense settlement—vegetation has reclaimed most structures, but road surfaces are partially intact beneath overgrowth. Frequent short fords at stream crossings; bridges intact at major rivers, condition varies. Denser tree canopy in the northern third limits overhead clearance in places—3.2 m minimum at km 220. Tidal marshland in the southern third requires route selection by tide table. A large maintained structure complex at approximately km 1,100—brick, copper roof patina, fenced perimeter with cleared grounds, function not apparent from the road. Terminus at a subtropical coast: a maintained dock and a concrete-block building with active antenna array on the roof.

Gulf Lowland

Subtropical lowland, east-west along the southern continental margin. Floodplain, hardwood, bayou, tidal estuary, barrier island. Lowest-elevation route in the collection—much of it below 30 m. Soft substrate in the delta sections requires differential lock for extended stretches. Ford depths at the major river crossings vary between 200 mm and 900 mm depending on recent upstream rainfall; seasonal variation is the primary route factor. Dense canopy in the middle segment obscures landmarks; compass bearing essential. A large bridge at approximately km 600 spans a river delta—steel and concrete, structurally intact, deck surface degraded. Route impassable between km 820 and km 870. Recommend the inland detour, which adds 90 km. No visible obstruction; conditions at the perimeter are noted in the route detail. Terminus at a coastal facility: concrete construction, dish antenna, solar array, active equipment observed.