Slowly, slowly

Sometimes this whole planning thing just goes waaaaaaaaaaay too slowly for me!  Most of it because of the lack of budget.  Things are coming together and a lot of it is thanks to my friends and the fact I still have time before my intended BBJAdventure departure date (100 days time YIPPPPEEEEEE)

Two of my big concerns: a roofrack and an Oztent.  Thanks to the 4x4 Community Forum, I've bought a roofrack from someone in Durban and my dear friends Tinky and Bill are storing it until I make a plan to get it up to Joburg.  The Oztent is proving a much more difficult acquisition. They just don't seem to go on offer on any of the 2nd hand forums or newspapers.  I'm not surprised - I know how much I want one so I understand people not wanting to part with theirs. I wrote to the South African Oztent distributors about my adventure and they have offered a discounted price on a new one - but it's still at the wrong end of my budget.  Will continue scratching away at costs and see if I can afford it later.  Meanwhile I keep surfing and searching.

Many people have recommended a 2nd spare wheel because of all the gravel roads I'll be travelling on in Namibia.  I also found a spare rim on the 4X4 Community Forum; a member in Musina, near the Zimbabwe border and he was able to bring it to Joburg when he came to a meeting.  My kind friend Adi at Supaquick is looking for a useable 2nd hand tyre for it now.  He reckons I don't need to replace my LSP's tyres before I go so that's a saving which now means I can install an auxillary (long-range) fuel tank.  Awesome, because I won't have to fiddle with jerry cans and carry fuel on the roof of the vehicle. (I was secretly quite nervous of this).

Claire and Howard have offered me the use of their Engel Fridge and Kobus has offered me a sleeping stretcher.  Steve has offered the use of his compressor and puncture repair kit.  He's going to have to teach me how to use it --- and how to change a wheel.

I have super friends!!!

LSP - little silver Pajero