The deposit is being paid this week for the Azalai conversion, and the base vehicle has been provisionally ordered from Roger Young Land Rover (Saltash) via OEC:

Land Rover Defender 130 Double Cab Chassis cab

Electric windows/central locking (deals with paralysed fingers on R hand)

Green (non metallic)

Standard seats (will upgrade these in the build)

No ICE (will add this during the build)

Tags: Equipment, funding, Gear, money, Specification, Vehicle

23 years this weekend since I gave up running etc. Many changes in that time – from sticks and chair I have had the privilege of witnessing the demise of:

Hofmeister Lager (Follow the Bear)

White Dog Pooh

Top of the Pops

The Eighties

George Peppard

The Thatcher Government

My waistline

Good Takeaways

A strong £

EJ’s

Smoking being Cool

International Rugby Players willing to drink aftershave and punt the Calcutta Cup

The Public House

The Ozone Layer

Teachers being able to slap kids

Highstreet Grocers

Competent and respect worthy bank managers that didn’t get their experience by working at McDonalds

My Liver and Kidneys

Sensible names for cars (The Ford ‘Probe’ wtf was that about!)

Warm Summers

Strange thing is – it’s still Happy Days! If you’d told me 30/11/86 pm I’d have the wit, support and importantly the means to be planning this trip 23 years on – I think I’d have taken that!

Yma O Hyd.

Tags: biography, disability

Flightless Dung Beetle

When the idea started, I had no real idea what might be involved, or even whether it would come to anything. We’ve been going a few months now so I’ve had some time to reflect.

Firstly the realisation that we are starting to make something pretty fantastic manifest itself in the form of a suitable expedition vehicle, that we have started to approach (potentially) interested partners, that we are developing a project plan etc etc ad infinitum – all outside of the day jobs – is proving to be quite a self-development experience. Working in the public sector has of course led to experience in these areas (commissioning, project planning, budgeting, negotiation), but there is something to be said for experiencing the direct consequence of one’s own decisions as they impact upon one’s own money and resources. I might even describe it as a bit of a buzz, although that might wear off when we are still paying things back in fourteen years’ time!

The point being that the work involved is filling a gap that I didn’t really know was there. Subsequent successes, at any measurable level, are definitely adding ‘something’, but what exactly? Self-esteem I think! Self esteem and Occupational balance. And as it turns out that’s a pretty difficult thing to measure if you don’t know it’s deficient. Or put another way, doing things is good for you. (Especially if it presses buttons you’ve been neglecting or didn’t even know were there).

Of course I should know this as an Occupational Therapist, but sometimes the tree and forest effect is all too pervasive. Projects like this make you look and think outside of the box. I don’t for one minute suppose that there is a level of ‘grandiose’ to qualify for this, but the trick is to get beyond the old routine and out of the comfort zone. [How many clichés can I get into this post!?!]

Secondly, another benefit comes from the financial sacrifice and discipline. ‘Things’ are starting to have a real value again. For example, looking ahead to Christmas, I can ask for mundane items such as socks, pants and smellies, and actually be genuinely grateful if anyone should be gracious enough to deliver!

Thirdly, going out less correlates directly with less excess in alcohol and food (pub and restaurants) and my ageing body thanks me greatly. There’s been no drastic weight loss, but there is an undeniable downward trend contrasting with the previous upwards one. Not too long ago I’d have quite happily professed “I don’t know where it [weight] comes from, I eat healthily enough.” Cobblers!  It’s as simple as the units ['allowed' for a sedentary man in the UK] equate to an extra day’s calorie intake a week or thereabouts; especially if you look at the concomitant and inevitable snackage that goes with beer.  A sobering thought (tee hee).

(Fourthly, I still hate talking to anyone other than friends and family on the telephone.)

Of late, although not being in any way ‘well-heeled’ – we’ve been able to pretty much buy and indulge on impulse. I wonder if this is something of a common symptom in modern British society – where the disease is our obsession with obtaining material wealth, only to find we are literally no better off subsequently. Those currently suggesting we might be happier in ourselves if we had less, might have a point. That aside, I am not lost to the irony of pontificating on disposing of our ‘disposable income’ (and then some) on a grand indulgent project like an Azalai Across Africa.  I think I’ve mentioned before that the ethics of the scheme are part of the test!

Tags: biography, disability, Ethics, money, motivation, philosophy

The loan has come through today. This is a point of no return of sorts – or at least it will be when we convert it into a Land Rover 130 Double Cab Azalai Base Vehicle later this week.

The reality bites – as does the fiscal burden! Literally now, “In for a penny, in for a pound”.

Tags: finance, funding, loan, money, Vehicle

Even though we have ok from the bank for the vehicle we still need to raise funds for the expedition, visas, provisons etc etc. The list is pretty extensive so the time has come to sell my car, the service has been booked so once that is completed and it has a little tidy ….. Any takers???? So goodbye to the orange menace and hello to walking to work, on the plus side the the more weight I lose the more stuff we can take.

Tags: car, finance, funding, Visa

Legal & General have turned down my Life Assurance application [to underwrite the loan]. Believe it or not, it isn’t on account of my spinal injury! Rather it is due to a family history…. Personally I’m rather struck by the irony.

They helpfully have added that they’ll reconsider and I can apply again in 6 months (presumably if I haven’t succumbed to anything), which I’ll probably take-up. In the meantime no such problems for Rachel.

I suppose that if insurance companies are expert in judging risk (which they bloody well should be) – I should look at this as proof that there is credence in the cliche ‘One Life Live It!’ To that end this is even more evidence and self-justification that this trip needs to happen now – just in case the assessors have a point! (Notwithstanding, that my unintended, underinsured, premature demise could put the rest of the family out on to the street.)

We’ve discussed the implications and from the perspective of the expedition I’m pleased to report that it’s a good job my family are of stoic and pragmatic stock. (IE “Well, we’ll just have to sell the house then if we come to that situation.”) I just hope that is said with the gravitas and conviction it warrants – as if it does become an issue it won’t be one that I’m going to be bothered with after all!

As we say in the Land of my Fathers “Yma O Hyd!”

Tags: biography, Ethics, finance, funding, Insurance, money

As promised, a list of books that are proving useful. As we plough through them I’ll try and pen a few thoughts – but to be honest there’s nothing here that’s bad or will do any harm to anyone’s planning!

Vehicle-dependent Expedition Guide

Edition 2.1, Tom Sheppard MBE.

Bought from the Royal Geographical Society £40.00

This book is the absolute authority and bible. If you only buy one book (which would be silly) this is it. It’s 500+ pages in First Edition hardback format exchange on the internet for over £100! The RGS have just released this limited re-print, don’t dither, get in there now.

The content is well organised and designed for targeted browsing rather than cover to cover. However, the writing style is easy and stimulating on the brain so it is quite likely that you’l readily absorb most of the nuggets and tips without realising. I guess though is that the test will be being able to apply it in the field. Nonetheless, you will be better equipped than the rest with this tome – it’s as simple as that.

Four-by-Four Driving (The third edition of Off-roader Driving)

Tom Sheppard MBE.

Bought from the Royal Geographical Society £25.00

Note – both of these Tom Sheppard books were bought from the RGS as a £50 bundle including postage.

A hard backed copy containing a gamut of tips, procedures and considerations. All written in the author’s readable style. Well illustrated.

Sahara Overland

2nd Edition, Chris Scott.

ISBN 978-1873756-76-8
Published by Trailblazer Publications, The Olde Manse, Tower Road, Hindhead, Surrey, GU26 6SU 2004 www.trailblazer-guides.com

Bought from Amazon.co.uk £19.99 hardback

Lots of experience and tips. Author bitten by a Land Rover in the past, and the Land Cruiser bias is the subject of much internet forum debate if you are interested. It also features in many reviews of this book on Amazon.

Rachel’s read this, it’s on my pile now….

Oxford Handbook of Expedition and Wilderness Medicine

Dr Chris Johnson, Dr Sarah R. Anderson, Dr Jon Dallimore, Shane Winser, Professor David A. Warrell

ISBN 978-0-19-929661-3
Published by Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon Street, Oxford OX2 6DP. 2008

Written and edited by experienced expeditioners. Suitable for doctors, paramedics, nurses, and travellers overseas.

This is invaluable. It is well indexed, has a couple of handy textile bookmarks built-in, and can be interpreted by anyone with more than a passing interest in medical welfare. There is a healthy exploration of risk and its management, prompts to think about necessary contingencies and medical kit. Importantly it stresses ethical considerations when travelling into other cultures.

The next test will be to get Rachel to read it. I have a background in allied health professions and a curiosity and interest – but I think at least the tempo and tone will not lose the ‘complete medical lay person’. At least that’s what I hope, as literally, one day my life might depend on it!

The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals

Richard Despard Estes
ISBN 978-0-520-08085-0
Published by University of California Press Ltd, London. 1992

Bought from Amazon.co.uk £18

As Robert Kappa said, “If your photos aren’t good enough, then you’re not close enough.” This book gives anyone professing an interest in Africa’s mammalian fauna the means to understand, appreciate and anticipate what they are seeing. There is a wealth of content, and it will take me a long, long time to digest it. The dilemma is whether to concentrate on the subjects you know and have been lucky enough to have seen – or should you try the more abstract approach of trying to accommodate things that you might look for in places you have yet to visit? The latter takes more time. As such the book might not be best used as a cover to cover read.

Clearly though this is the work of a lifetime enthusiast and curate of the African wilderness. If you glean just a tenth of it’s content you’ll have more substance than most safari bores and enjoy your experience more to boot. It’s not for beginners, who might be better served by a simple illustrated field guide (of which there are many to be commended) but it is certainly complete. A must have for those looking to take their wildlife expeditions and experiences to a higher level.

Tags: Books, Equipment, reading, Reference, Resources

Interior picture of an Azalai build

OEC yesterday sent their detailed specification and costings based upon our discussions from last week. Inevitably the gross figure has crept up as the sundry items take their toll. We are in budget – just; although we’re still musing over the options to access the cabin and those costs are not included. That said the spec is pretty complete and we’ve agreed that this can be worked into a quote, deposits get invoiced and paid etc. Once that’s done (anticipating next week) the Azalai shell can be ordered and shipped over from France. (As previously mentioned, we’re hoping to get the timing right to include it with a couple of others and thus keep the shipping cost down.)

Base Vehicle
Land Rover Defender 130 Chassis Cab

Basic Azalai Conversion

Water
Water purifier with dedicated tap located in kitchen
Spare purifier cartridge
Hot water calorifier (2 Gallon)
Hot water thermostat blender valve
Additional 76 litre storage tank (stainless steel)
Additional water tank sundries
Standard fitment

Fuel
Additional 76 litres fuel tank (o/s chassis pod tank)
Pollak – ‘electric solenoid to switch between tanks’
Sundries

Heating
Air blower (requires Eberspacher fitted)
Eberspacher
Sundries

Electrics
Solar Panel (5.2amp 90 watt)
Solar Panel Regulator – 12 volt solar controller & backlit
remote meter. 25amp dual battery regulator and display
Din Socket x2
240v Socket x2
Inverter
Remote Control
RCD Unit
Boiler Switch
Hook Up
Hook Up Plugs & Extension
H/D Battery
H/D Leisure Battery
Charger
Fuse Box (Ripco)
Junction Box
Sundries

Suspension
Front uprated shock absorber x2
Rear uprated shock absorber x2
Uprated steering damper
Front coil springs (+50mm) pair
Rear coil springs (+50mm) pair
Polyair bags – raised height (suit +50mm) Rear x2
Polyair compressor & dual gauge kit
Superpro bush kit (castor correction)

Snorkel & Wading
Snorkel
Wading Kit

Underbody Armour
Aluminium Steering guard (10mm)
Front diff guard
Rear diff guard
Sill rock guards with nerf (tree) bars

Recovery Equipment
Shackle – 4.75 tonne Bow x5
Towing / Recovery Strop (3m)
Hi-Lift Jack (4ft) All cast
Hi-Lift Jack Handle Keeper
Hi-Lift jack Fix-it kit
Hi-Lift base
Hi-Lift Defender adaptor
Maxtrax (pair)
Anderson Jump Leads
Compressor (12 volt)
Front Recovery Points
Rear Recovery Points
Tubeless Puncture Kit

Rear Bumper / Step
Bumper
Step ?tbd
Hydraulic Lift ?tbd

Awning
Omnistor 2.3 x 1.8m projection side awning

Storage
tbc

Light Grilles
Lamp Guards – front hinged (pair)

Crawl Through
Crawl through with alloy surround

Second Row Seat Conversion
tbc

ICE Not costed or confirmed at this point
Radio / CD Player with iPod point
Tweater
Tweater
Front Speaker
Front Speaker
Rear Speaker
Rear Speaker

Conversions
Auto Conversion
Left Accelerator
Hand Control Brake
Sundries

Wheels & Tyres
As per factory at this point

Tags: adaptation, Build, Equipment, Gear, Specification, Vehicle

I’ve just got back from a very constructive meeting with OEC (UK builders of the Azalai). We have a build slot Feb-April/May and will be paying a deposit soon for the shell. This is quite good timing as it can ship with another two and so split the container/shipping between customers. Also it happens Anton has a meeting tomorrow with the chap from local LR dealers Roger Young LR so we might be able to get some more detail regarding base vehicle lead times and costs.

We took the chance to further consider the challenge of cabin access – the vehicle currently being constructed in OEC’s workshop is to have a hydraulic rack for a motorcycle on the back. From looking at this, I mooted that as well as looking at various steps, a tail-lift might be worth considering too as an option. The technician there (Paul) thought that the idea has mileage, and certainly felt that there would be few challenges regarding reliability and durability as these items have a proven and established track record on trucks. Anton also wondered whether this would provide a joint solution in carrying the wheelchair.

OEC also have some ideas and resources regarding routes, carnet de passage, insurance and funding sources for the trip itself, that they can make available to us at our convenience, in due course. All in all a productive hour, although I did get wet hand-cycling home again!

Tags: adaptation, Build, Carnet, disability, OEC, Roger Young, Vehicle, Visa

God I’m excited – have contacted OEC and meeting tomorrow to arrange a build slot…..

Will update with more detail soon – can you believe it? The project is on!

I’ll also be listing books that we have ordered and are reading – I swear this is like doing a degree all over again!

Tags: funding, reading, Resources