Long weekend trip

[K&S]

Last weekend, being a long weekend, all five days of it :) , was a great opportunity to go away with the club which we did. The original objective was to build a bridge in the game reserve but the parks board didn't get the materials in time so we cruised the reserve instead. There were thirty-three landies ranging from two series IIa, one series IIb forward control, defenders, a couple of P38 RRs and one Disco 3.

The camping was pucker bush camping; no ablutions, portable shower and shovel required.

The reserve (Songimvelo) was in brilliant condition. Game viewing was a touch difficult because the grass was really high from the good rains they had last year which resulted in the low level bridge being washed away (the one we were going to help rebuild).

We camped in three different areas and ours had one difficult stretch which had loose rocks and stones on the track which caused all the vehicles towing trailers to have to be pulled up. I was impressed with my series towing a Disco 2 and full off-road trailer up that section. In fact it went so well that Shirley was busy with her phone and asked when we would be recovering the Disco only to be told it was all over; task completed.

This reinforces my belief that if you want to tow a trailer rather go to a caravan park. :roro: Not one of the vehicles made it under their own steam with a trailer (some had those off-road caravans too).

I've put in a few pics, hope you enjoy them.

[adrianandkate]

Pix are great as ever:) Thanks for posting, looks as though you had a brill time.

But how did you fix the brakes??? Or did you go anyway? And you know you don't have to answer that one;) . A&K

[K&S]

Got them sorted as best as possible the afternoon before leaving. Must admit it was a close call. The brakes are pulling straight and even :) although the pedal is still spongy :( . Definitely feels like there is air in the system. The brake booster though is leaking fluid back into the engine so that will be next on the list when money becomes available. During the weekend I had to tighten them up a bit and that helped some.

[adrianandkate]

cheers Kevin

good bush mechanic eh?

how long was your trip? ie in kms/miles - not that we want to know how long we can run on dodgy brakes for ....:D :D

(ours are ok touch wood before anyone asks:p )

just sheer curiosity

A&K

[K&S]

It was about 300 kilometres one way. We left home at about 03h20 so as to get there in good time. We like to travel at a nice casual pace. Normally do about 90 km/h (true speed) which I find a relaxing pace. On the way back travelled with the green shortie (who also had a trailer) that you can see in one of the pics so we were at 70 km/h. Best fuel consumption that I've ever had, but it took quite some time getting home ;) . Must say I really enjoy the series way of driving.

Mike, who drives the green shortie, has the same belief as me; if you take all your tools along with you then you won't have a breakdown. So far on my trips I've never had a breakdown but have been able to help so many stranded motorists (with much newer vehicles by the way) so it's handy keeping them with.

[bvudzichena]

Howzit Kev!

Where can I place an order for three of those spare wheel covers? I like! I like! I like!

Lovely pics! I'd like to go there in July or August when the grass has been worn down. What are the T4A or GPS co-ords?

[seekingserenity]

Hmmm... I'm going to have to remember that tool trick! :) Sounds like a great way to spend the long weekend - I'm more than a little jealous.

[K&S]

Howzit Kev!

Where can I place an order for three of those spare wheel covers? I like! I like! I like!

Lovely pics! I'd like to go there in July or August when the grass has been worn down. What are the T4A or GPS co-ords?

There's a chap in Honeydew who makes them as well as lots of other bits and pieces for the Landy. Luke Douwes 082-414-2677 or 011 958-1544.

I haven't the foggiest what the GPS co-ords are. I think some of the chaps have entered them on T4A. I use traditional paper maps. I bought some Ordinance Survey maps to navigate the park with. Only problem is you need four of them as the maps overlap in just the wrong place. If you look on a map near Lochiel and Oshoek you'll find the reserve. It borders Swaziland. You'll have one problem going there though, and that is they'll only let you in for a day drive. I'm not trying to sound braggy or anything about our club but we're the only people they allow to camp there (and then it's only as a club event and not individuals). They do have hunters chalets so perhaps you might be able to hire those. They do hunting concessions there from time to time. It falls under the auspices of the Mpumalanga Parks Board. The closest settlements are Mooiplaats and Tjakastad. I'll try get a phone number for you.

[bvudzichena]

I found it on T4A!

They refer to it as the Songimvelo Transfrontier.

Are Ebutsini Lodge and Ebutsini Echo Trail part of the park, or in private ownership?

That place is worth a visit.

[K&S]

I think they are, but not 100% sure. They have plans to make into a transfrontier into the reserve across in Swaziland.

Haven't forgotten the pub meet btw, just trying to get some compatible dates :) .