11/10/12  - (9 days and counting)

We went to the overland show in Daventry last weekend where we were able to look over the vehicles of others who either have, or are about to embark on similar travels. We got lots of advice from others and attended a couple of incredibly valuable seminars; one was given by Chris Scott who has written some highly valued books on overland travel. Most important we met a group of others who have similar, Iveco, vehicles. Rich Clafton was there, he is the oganiser of an Iveco traveller internet group. He was incredibly helpful with information and personal support.  We were so buoyed up with positive comments about our van, but , 'pride comes before a fall'. Our van was the only vehicle at the show to break down. A problem in the tranmission. So the show ended with us being trailered home at midnight.  While we waited for the recovery truck our super clever sophisticated heater broke, down bloody freezing! 

                Not the greatest start to a trans-Africa odyssy!

The axle, it seems was easily fixed but it was revealed that we urgently needed to fit a new clutch. We are waiting for that work to be completed. We tell ourselves that it's better that the van broke down in Northampton rather then in North Mali .

So we are anxiously waiting for the van and packing up all our worldly goods ready for storage.
 
Trash or treasure:

There is great merit to the exploitation of pensioners!

 

Packing up the house is a big problem, with Noel continously accumulating all the rubbish around the house and saying " you can't take that to the charity shop, it's sentimental". We've got several sentimental boxes of 'treasures' that Fred , our friend, has lovingly washed and clean, wrapped in bubble wrap and ready for storage.
Nevertheless despite all the stress we remain really optimistic about what lies before us.We have many friends to catch up with before we set off to be eaten by lions and tigers.  

Noels swansong!

 

Noel sang at his very last choir concert, which is sad but it was a very enjoyable show.  

We are looking forward to seeing all our friends and supporters at the party on the 20th before setting off at midday on the 21st!

We know just how lucky we are to be so well supported !