Preparation

A  life long dream is taking shape - a dream to travel through Africa - leisurely........

Steve has retired from a corporate job (which he loved) and we are now busier than ever with preparations for our African Odyssey.

After a relatively short deliberation, we decided on buying a 4x4 caravan (JugensX-CAPE) to make this long journey more comfortable. Typical 'Drinkrow Style', the new acquisition needed alterations.

The first was to add a nose cone to the front of the caravan, and a long, thin storage box (for tent poles) to the back.  Steve also added another battery and an inverter with extra power points to the caravan. The addition of the nose cone resulted in me having to alter the stone guard. (Thank goodness for my trusty industrial sewing machine!) Steve also bought 2 x 80 watt solar panels to make up a 160 watt solar generator (which also needed a protective bag!) 

Our 200 series Land Cruiser was fitted with an ARB Front bumper, 12000 pound winch and LED spot lights, as well as new BF Goodrich AT Tyres. A second battery and pneumatic assisted rear suspension had previously been fitted.  The next project is to fit a second diesel fuel filter with a water trap, roof rack, two way radio, and a drawer system to accommodate a second spare wheel, recovery equipment and spares, fridge, water tanks and empty jerry cans. 

I went through all our camping equipment and did the necessary alterations to bags etc.(Every tool, pot, chair, etc must be in a protective cover!) I still have to make a seed guard for the vehicle, and protective bags for the spot lights. The last big sewing job will be to make an outside insulated cover for the external sleeping quarters for those freezing, cold nights ( further north the latter will be discarded!)

We have 3 weeks left before we leave.........!!!!

 

Our new X-Cape