Spotlight #15, Apple Maps New Offline Mode, and Curated Links

Hey there!

Happy Birthday to the Instagram page, which hit the 9 year mark on September 17! Thank you for being part of it and making it, and this newsletter, what they are.

Here’s what is coming up:

• Adventurer Spotlight #15

• New Offline Maps and Enhanced Trail Finding in iOS 17

• Curated Links Just for You

• Quick Hit Items in the Wrap-Up

Adventurer Spotlight #15 with @mtnsubi

Welcome to the Adventurer Spotlight, an interview series with Adventurers from our newsletter about their life with their Subaru. Here, we find out more about the person behind the wheel and get inspired to embark on new adventures.

Before we get to this edition’s feature, I’d like to thank Cris / @xtrek_luna for being in the previous Spotlight. Now, it’s on to our 15th edition!

Introduction

Hey there, I'm Carey, owner of MtnSubi, your friendly Subaru enthusiast! I'm here to share my love for adventuring in Subarus and enjoy a bit of trail shenanigans. My day job is a project manager for a public works agency and I have two grown kids.

Which Subaru do you own? What do you like most about it?

Currently, I own a 2014 Subaru Outback. It's my trusty companion for all my adventures. What I love most about it is its versatility. Whether I'm cruising through the city, tackling rugged terrain, or competing in rallies, my Subaru Outback handles it all like a champ. It's the perfect blend of comfort, reliability, and off-road capability.

Why did you choose a Subaru? How many have you owned?

Over the years, I've been lucky enough to have a few Subarus in the family. MtnSubi is my 3rd, and my kids share a 2009 Subaru Forester. Each one has left a lasting impression on me. The reason I keep coming back to Subaru is their unwavering commitment to safety and performance, and their jack-of-all-trades capability. Their symmetrical all-wheel drive system is just incredible, providing exceptional traction and stability in all conditions, while being comfortable around town.

Have you made any modifications?

When it comes to modifications, I'm all about personalizing my Subie. I've made a “few” tweaks here and there to make it truly mine. Over the years, modifications and upgrades have been purposefully selected as my needs changed and my off-roading interests grew. Upgrading the suspension with RaceWorks coilovers and RalliTEK arms, the new Milestar Patagonia AT PRO tires, the TORQ locker, and the custom front bumper really took the vehicle capability to new limits. Adding flexible overland accessories like the iKamper rooftop tent, DirtComplex hitch mount spare tire swing and GooseGear drawers can be installed based on the type of trip I’m going on and removed to reduce weight and lower the center of gravity for more technical wheeling.

What would you like to add to your setup?

As for my setup, there's always room for more! I would love to add low profile rock sliders to protect my frame and body panels. It would be perfect for those more technical off-road adventures. Plus, it adds a nice touch of ruggedness to the overall look.

Favorite road trip? Or favorite thing to do in your Subaru?

One of my favorite things to do in my Subaru is going on road trips. There's something liberating about hitting the open road with no specific destination in mind. Exploring new places, taking in breathtaking views, and creating unforgettable memories is what it's all about. The freedom and capability of my Subaru makes every road trip an absolute blast.

Have a favorite picture of your car?

Choosing a favorite picture of my car is tough because I’m fortunate to have so many amazing shots during my adventures. But if I had to choose, it would be a shot of my Subie during the Rebelle Rally. It perfectly captures the adventurous spirit that Subarus embody and is an event close to my heart for kickstarting my passion for off-roading and adventuring. I hope you’ll follow us this year when we compete again October 13-21!

Where would you like to travel to next with the Subie?

As for future travels, I'm itching to explore the Pacific Northwest. The stunning landscapes and rugged terrain is the perfect playground for my Subie. From the lush forests of Oregon to the majestic peaks of Washington and plenty of sand to play in both, there's so much to discover and experience.

What, if anything, would you do differently, or change, about your Subie?

If there's one thing I would change about my Subie, it would be to have a bit more horsepower. While it's great for everyday driving and light off-roading, a little extra oomph could make it even more thrilling. But hey, that's what modifications are for, right?

To all the Subaru newbies and those starting their build, my words of encouragement are simple: Embrace the journey and have fun! The Subaru community is full of friendly and knowledgeable folks who are always willing to help. Don't be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, and share your own experiences. Whether you're starting with a stock Subaru or diving into modifications, take your time, research, and enjoy the process. Remember, it's all about making your Subaru truly yours and creating unforgettable memories along the way.

So get out there, hit the road, and let your Subie take you on incredible adventures. Welcome to the Subaru community, my friend!

Thank you, Carey! Your Outback build is so great and you push it and get the most out of it. Those are great words of encouragement in there for someone looking to start their build. You’re right on the mark about the community being friendly and supportive. Good luck in the Rebelle Rally next month!

If you’d like to learn more about the Rebelle Rally, the first women’s off-road navigation rally raid in the US, visit https://www.rebellerally.com. Be sure to follow Carey on Instagram to stay up to date with the event!

🗺️ Offline Maps and Enhanced Trail Finding in iOS 17

Some of the best adventuring takes place where cell service isn’t available, but it can present challenges if you rely on your iPhone for navigation. Apple released iOS 17 on Monday and has added the ability to download maps to use offline in its Maps app. You’ll be able to save an area of a map to your iPhone and access turn-by-turn navigation, see the estimated arrival time, and find places in Maps while offline. Apple says the update will also make it easier to find trails in parks in the US.

You can read more on the Maps update and all of the other new features in iOS 17 on Apple’s site.

🔗 Curated Links Just for You

A fine assortment of informative and entertaining links selected just for you! Have a link you’d like to share and have featured here? Send it over, and if it’s used, I’ll include a shout out to your Instagram page, or other social site.

🎁 The Wrap-Up

📅 Reminder: Subiefest Midwest is next weekend (9/24) at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL. All the details can be found here.

👕 Pick up a shirt! A fine collection of Subie Adventures T-shirts is available if you'd like to grab one to support the page and newsletter. Thanks!

That’s all for now!

Tom Anderson
Subie Adventures