Welcome to the blog of the Indlovu 2011 Drive and our journey into Africa overland. I am transcribing this in 2021, from my journaled notes, as we reach the ten year anniversary of this incredible adventure. I will try to be as faithful to my original writing, as much as sensibilities allow. To be honestContinue reading “Introduction”
Category Archives: Preparation
Scoping the Azalai
We’d let things drift a bit since our visit to OEC in April, but Anton had recently emailed to say that he has a finished Azalai 130 in the workshop – so we again made the short trip over to Kingsteignton to see how things may or may not work. It was also a chanceContinue reading “Scoping the Azalai”
Inspirational..
Had our final meeting with the bank and things seem OK. I guess we can do no more than wait for the wheels to turn now. A scary amount of money, but we are confident that the sums add up and it’s ‘affordable’ – in the loosest of terms! As an aside, but related toContinue reading “Inspirational..”
Loan Agreed
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, inContinue reading “Loan Agreed”
Musings of a fat man
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 suitableContinue reading “Musings of a fat man”
Base vehicle ordered for Azalai conversion
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 theContinue reading “Base vehicle ordered for Azalai conversion”
Estimated Carbon Costs
As this is a quiet month with little to report, I thought it opportune to consider some of the real costs of this trip…….. Your Footprint Country Average World Target Your Carbon Footprint: House 2.10 tonnes of CO2 Flights 3.32 tonnes of CO2 Car 2.93 tonnes of CO2 Motorbike 0.00 tonnes of CO2 Bus &Continue reading “Estimated Carbon Costs”
Injured Players Fund assistance
Great news, just heard from Tim Bonnett of the RFU’s IPF (Injured Players’ Fund) that the Trustees have agreed to help fund the cost of adapting disabled facilities for the vehicle. This includes a provision for mobility aids too. This will help to keep our outlay broadly in line with that of able-bodied purchasers. MyContinue reading “Injured Players Fund assistance”
Xmas stash report
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 alongContinue reading “Xmas stash report”
Car Trading
Good news! Rachel’s car has been sold (thanks due to Dave Webb). The modest return is getting added to the trip fund. We’re hoping, if we can get the right [access] solution for the Azalai, so that we can transport the scooter and handcycle (the former at least locally) then we can sell the vanContinue reading “Car Trading”