…And so this time next week we’ll be on the train to Gatwick heading out to Durban. The Azalai is currently bobbing about of the Nigerian coast somewhere, and all being well we pick her up after the 7th May. The plan then is to head up the Dolphin Coast to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Reserve – from where we will ‘properly’ begin our Indlovu Trans-Africa Drive.
After a few days we’ll double-back, and head south and west towards the Cape aiming to be there about the end of May/early June.
I think I can say that we are ready to go now – but at T-1/52 – thoughts inevitably dwell on things we are leaving behind in order to complete what is sure to be an amazing adventure. So at the risk of being morose – a few reasons not to travel for eight months or so might be…
Torquay is beautiful at the moment as summer has come early. You will have to travel a long way to find places nicer – as nice yes, but nicer, you’d struggle.
My Grand Parents, Ken and Margaret came down last week too. We really appreciate them making the effort as it’s quite a trek for them, and we can’t get to Abertillery (on account of the Van being off Nigeria). It was, as ever, great to see them.
There’s also a ‘condemned man’ type syndrome going on (although not quite as drastic!) Things like catching up with friends ‘the last time we’ll see you before you go”, using the last bottle of shampoo, the last rugby at the rec, the last walk with the dog to Cockington etc etc. Some poignant, the others silly. Of course I think we need to hold true to our assertion that in the greater scheme of things eight months is a short time – and the benefits speak for themselves. (Especially if I can find a living upon our return).
We are hoping to kit ourselves out with a local rate UK telephone number whilst we are away – and I’ll be updating the website with a Contact Us page – we’d love to hear from you all of course during our travels.
Looking forward to the Party on Friday as well. Russ, Becky, Zoe, Penny and Phil Burford have all worked really hard. There should be a good turnout and looking forward to seeing the guys from Wales too – it won’t be messy at all!
Should pick up the Worldmade wheelchair from Motivation on Thursday. The handcycle attachment has arrived here and a great piece of hardy, simple and elegant engineering it is too. Looking forward to testing it out in its natural environment. Thanks to Natalie and Chris (and everyone else) at Motivation.org.uk. We hope to edge closer to our £3k target at the party on Friday (everyone coming – bring money! We’ll bring the prizes!)
Anyway a rushed blog update – off now to ‘the last rugby’ (at least until the Sharks take on the Brumbies at Kings Park ABSA stadium a week Saturday…. Oh Yes, there’s a very silver lining!…)