OEC advise, “Just to say your truck is now motoring along – bush kit complete, rock sliders fabricated and fitted…     The pod is inside and the parts all unwrapped so by next week there will be plenty of dust and cutting going on too!! I [Anton] have also found a neat reversing camera with 7” screen that replaces the rear view mirror rather than in the passenger’s way. I only have a card template at present whilst the boys confirm the fittings and then we can send you the details.”

The costings/inventory spreadsheet is working up nicely too (with help from Rachel). It’s surprising to see how much gear we have already accumulated over the last year. The list is looking pretty comprehensive, but adding costs will take some time. (I also want it to record weight of items to ensure things stay safely in hand.) I have asked Anton if he could price a tariff of spares for us, as getting these prices from the Internet is proving to be difficult. (Andre in KZN – I might be checking with you too to see how things look in ZAR – be warned! I see the Rand is strong vs Sterling just now though).

If anyone should be looking to support our venture, this list will help to demonstrate our own contribution to date, and the areas where any help would be most welcome.

I have also found a couple of charities in Africa that might be able to gain some benefit from our endeavour. Whereas tourism is recognised across the continent as a real, sustainable and viable source of (increasing) income; with much of it arriving overland – we would feel far more congruent if we were giving something more ‘directed’ back. It might be argued that such gestures are small and barely relevant when viewed in the context of the vast whole – but we are sure that the charities we have in mind will fit nicely with our experiences in life and of the continent to date. I will not give anymore away just yet as I want to approach the organisations in scope directly to seek their approval first – but I’m sure that they will be causes that our supporters will get behind. In particular there is scope for schools in the UK to get involved, and I have had some preliminary discussions with friends in the teaching profession.

Possible Route RSA KZN - UK Devon

Of course fundraising for charities will only work if we realise the trip itself – and that remains a paradox of expedition funding. We need money for the trip (on top of the tens of thousands we have committed personally) just to get there and back  - and in turn raise a few thousand more for our identified causes (I was going to say ‘worthy’ causes – but that would be so cliched! Still trust me – I know you’ll like them – and yes we will be tapping you at every opportunity once announced). We will  be documenting the trip in the media of stills photography and audio recording. I suspect that between now and then we should be able to rustle up a camcorder too. The blog will also provide an ongoing journal of the Expedition. In other words we will be able to keep supporters palpably updated with progress and our learning along the way.

At this time I’d like to form a small project group to help with fundraising and logistics. I have people in mind, and I’m sure you know who you might be, so please feel free to offer help in the meantime if you feel you want to be involved with something just a little different from the old routine.

Maps, Routes and Stuff:

I ordered the  Ultimate Africa Atlas ISBN 978-1–86809-924-5 Published by MapStudio, 2007, Hardback Bought from Amazon.co.uk a bargain at £25.95. The order was p+p free under their supersaver delivery – ordered Tuesday, delivered Thursday (why pay Amazon for next day?) It will be a useful adjunct to the Michelin maps and T4A as it is easy to manage in the hands with the main pages being 1 : 1 500 000. There are some city centre street plans (T4A stresses it is not a intra city navigator) and some slightly more detailed maps of parks and reserves too.

We have a tentative route planned and I’ll try and get that published in a more detailed graphic form soon with some formidable stats too. We are favouring ship-out, drive back. We would start in Zululand – hopefully from one of the locale of one of the projects we are looking to support.

These pages should liven up a bit now as things are gathering momentum. Stay tuned (OK that’s another cliche but what the heck). I’ve promised you a lot more detail, but please bear with me whilst I fashion it all up into enjoyable, user friendly chunks……

Tags: Africa, Azalai, Books, Build, Charity, Ethics, funding, Info, money, OEC, reading, Reference, Specification, Sponsorship, T4A, Vehicle, Weight

Flea in the Ear

Not really much to report. Needless to say Rachel was indulged in Michelin Maps, Stacking Cooking Pans, Survival Guides and the like as Christmas presents. Me, I got a micro-towel – cool!

Regarding the van, I have casually researched platform lifts and had a cursory dialogue with Anton at OEC.  I’m wondering whether something along these lines might fit the bill http://pwsacc.co.uk/disabled-scooter-carriers.htm
 
On the positive side:
Wide platform conducive to crutches
It’s a lift
Could be used in conjunction with a portable step to avoid having to often up/down maybe (IE adjust its position so it could itself be a step)
(Domestically at least) It can be used as designed to carry handcycle/chair etc
 
Queries
Not sure what the fatigue characteristics would be like (eg over corrugations)
Not sure on the weight/loading effects
Not sure of height of tow bar (or whether range of lift/mast height can be ‘extended’ to give a further rise.

Seems possible…….

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

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