Picked the Azalai up from OEC today. The breakdown was apparently caused by a wiring loom contacting with the [transplanted] auto box’s oil feeds and consequently being melted. Paul [at OEC] was surprised that the transmission oil ran that hot; but he has now secured the loom away from the pipes so all appears toContinue reading “Breakdown – the cause and remedy”
Category Archives: Preparation
The 10th Torbay
Just had a great evening talking to the guys and girls of the 10th Torbay Sea Scouts. They were a super audience and sat through at least 45 minutes of presentation before asking lots of really good questions. We covered planning for the trip, expedition health and vaccinations, the budget, how young people can makeContinue reading “The 10th Torbay”
Tail-lift fitting
Took the Azalai up to OEC today so that Paul can fit the tail-lift. He was painting it today, but will be spending the rest of the week fitting. He seemed pretty confident regarding the main hardware and attachment to the chassis, but thought that if anything was going to make him run past theContinue reading “Tail-lift fitting”
Thursday Club
A new audience for the latest talk, the ladies and gents of the ‘Thursday Club’ at St Matthias Church, Wellswood. Attentive and kind though they were, I am sure that they would have been at least equally interested if I’d filled the slot with (more) pictures from previous wildlife shoots – compared to the normal,Continue reading “Thursday Club”
Tail-lift on
Spoken to Paul at OEC – The lift is on, but he’s ordered a reducing valve (“should be here today”). The lift is going up well, and Paul reported that he’s, “Really pleased with it”, but the problem is “That it currently comes down faster than if it was just gravity!” Should now be tomorrow,Continue reading “Tail-lift on”
Departure booked
Sorry to have been neglecting the updates, but it’s been a bit hectic tying up a few loose-ends and coordinating everything to achieve our May departure date. Just today though (and forced by the rapidly diminishing accommodation options in Durban due to the Bank Holiday one suspects) things have become real. Shipping: The helpful DavidContinue reading “Departure booked”
Grease monkies
We had the first meeting tonight with Dave Webb to look at the maintenance schedule for the van, spares and my plan of action. Feel that we are now back on schedule with this and Dave is spending a couple of hours with me this Saturday to practice changing tyres and looking at brakes etc,Continue reading “Grease monkies”
Planning progress and a celebration
Rachel has just texted to say that her Career Break has been approved. Another hurdle ticked off the list! D-Day is approaching fast. Since my last post Alan (father) has enjoyed his 70th Birthday with a great party at the Rugby Club (TARFC). He’d asked the many guests to donate to www.motivation.org.uk in lieu ofContinue reading “Planning progress and a celebration”
Mechanical teachings
Dave Webb (TARFC and Sherwell Valley Motors) has just given Rachel her first vehicle maintenance lesson. Today involved an orientation of what’s what underneath the vehicle, the brakes, and the techniques to change a front wheel – followed by a couple of hours’ practical. With much gusto Rachel waded in and impressed her tutor withContinue reading “Mechanical teachings”
We had a Ball
Got to start this entry with thanks to: Dan, Becky, Glenn, Penny, Pat T, Davina, Helen P, Julie, Mrs H, Russ, and everyone else who pulled together to make the Africa Ball at Paignton Zoo such a great night. Special thanks to David Towers and Nina Brzezicki and the rest of the Zoo staff whoContinue reading “We had a Ball”