On 5th October Anton wrote “The vehicle ramp was delivered to the engineering firm beginning of last week. Most of the parts have been drawn up ready for the water cutter. We have phoned them this morning for an update and will keep pestering them for final prices / timings. Paul and I have lookedContinue reading “Build Update – It’s getting there!”
Author Archives: RicH
Taking Delivery of the Azalai
Well it’s got there – just about. Today we went over to OEC to collect the Azalai from OEC. We arrived late in the afternoon and found the guys hosing her down (luckily for Alicja who otherwise might have found that she was carwashing it at her fundraiser tomorrow!) The tail-lift is still being fabricatedContinue reading “Taking Delivery of the Azalai”
First Night
We have just had our first night in the Azalai, safely in the grounds of the splendid Porth Mawr B+B in Crickhowell, S Wales. The parents have booked the annexe for a week and so it seemed like a safe place to try things out. Porth Mawr, Paula and a great view towards the BreconContinue reading “First Night”
Dual Tank fueling issues
We were staying with friends at the excellent Bickleigh Farm (great Birthday Party Adele – thank you) – with the intention of sleeping in the van. The first night was fine despite the outside temperature dipping below zero. However in the morning we tried to boil some water for a cup of tea which causesContinue reading “Dual Tank fueling issues”
History
Not for the first time has this been a significant date for me. [As the avid reader would know] In 1986 I turned out for our local college XV for a scratch Rugby game (on a Sunday that was much warmer than it is in 2010 I recall!) only to paralyse myself in a clumsyContinue reading “History”
Getting tight on the build
We’re still waiting for the tail-lift, but I’ve been over to OEC to see it progressing. Paul is waiting for some solenoids to arrive to operate locking-pins to secure the lift in it’s various positions (to take the strain off the hydraulics when the lift is stationary). Even on it’s work-stand it looks a workContinue reading “Getting tight on the build”
Visas
I’ve spent an ‘irritating’ day researching visa requirements (or at least updating the info I already had collated). Current thinking is that most visas can be obtained at borders. Ethiopia remains a challenge if going north due to it expiring 3 months from date of issue (unless it’s a work visa). I’ll post the ExcelContinue reading “Visas”
Finishing touches
Dropped the Azalai off at OEC today to get the finishing touches completed. Everyone is optimistic we’ll get there before Christmas, but the manufacturers of the solenoids (to operate the tail-lift locking-pins) have consistently reneged on promised delivery dates over the last few weeks. Anyway, regardless everything else can happen: Uprated headlamp bulbs (the Defender’sContinue reading “Finishing touches”
Tail-lift snag
OEC kindly dropped Paula back to us this morning sporting a few enhancements. The headlamp bulbs have been uprated, a shovel has been mounted on (Rachel’s!) wing, the seat heating has been replaced and the tail-lift hydraulics are in place. So we are all set for the rest of the winter. However the tail-lift isn’tContinue reading “Tail-lift snag”
Planning update
As we go into the New Year poignantly we can anticipate the end of our yet to be embarked trip! We will be back by this time next year, and that’s a reminder of how little time there is left to get things together. Paul Gowen from the RAC has been in touch recommending weContinue reading “Planning update”