Starting Monday, brothers Grant and David Fowler pack their bags, and jeep, for a cross continental excursion to Brazil. The pair will set out on a journey driving through Central and South America towards the pinnacle of fútbol competition at FIFA World Cup 2014 beginning in June.

Such a grand undertaking often stems from a calling in life. For the Fowler brothers, adventure is deep rooted in the family tree.

“Our father passed away in 2004, but we have done our best to fulfill the tradition he instilled in us: the love for adventure, the thrill of the open road, and the thirst to experience life off the beaten path.” – Grant Fowler

This is not the first time that Grant and David have explored the Big Blue Marble, nor is it their first stint at the World Cup. The Fowler family was in Germany for a club soccer competition during the 2006 World Cup, and in attendance for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Here, Grant and David’s mother, a longtime supporter of their soccer careers, transformed from fan of her kids to a true fan of the sport.

Preparation for the road to Brazil came soon after the 2010 World Cup. David proposed the idea to Grant over the phone while the two were sitting in their respective dorm rooms at UNC Chapel Hill (Grant) and Tufts University (David). “Needless to say I was interested, but my inner skeptic was quick to surface,” said Grant. Both understand that this an adventure of a lifetime, but one that would call for months of meticulous planning.

The entire trip will take 21 driving days and cover roughly 10,000 miles. For the journey, the two have fitted a 1994 Land Cruiser, which gets a gas guzzling 12 to 15 MPG. “Gas will be by far our biggest expense,” says Grant, along with the cost to ship the Cruiser across the Darien Gap from Panama to Colombia. When considering what vehicle to travel in, the two found through anecdotal evidence that Land Cruisers were “virtually unbreakable” and that there are parts everywhere in case of emergency. “Many countries use them for government vehicles which means if something goes wrong, most likely there will be someone who can help us.”

With such a tight schedule due to travel checkpoints and game times in Brazil, it will be imperative to stay the course as best as possible. This does not mean the two will not experience a few bumps in the road. “Unfortunately, there are unforeseeable variables that we cannot plan for,” including things such as time crossing the border or missing the ferry in Panama that only travels once a week. David, a International Relations major at Tufts, will graduate on Sunday, handicapping the duo from taking off any sooner. Fortunately, through careful preparation, Grant is confident in the eventual success of the trip. “Sometimes you just have to take a leap.” Many of their family and friends are both nervous and excited in anticipation of the long road ahead. Eric Guffrey, Grant’s friend and co-worker at Fugitive Labs here in Durham, has reservations of his own, but only asks that they “just keep the GPS on your person at all times.” With a smile, Grant agreed to these terms and conditions.

The Clarion Content is excited to chronicle the journey of these two young men on their expedition. You can find more information on their website here.

This time, when I say Take the High Road, I mean it literally, gentlemen.

Drive safe, and good luck!