Sani Pass

[bvudzichena]

The Gauteng Chapter of the Land Rover UK Forums is planning a trip to Lesotho.

Marc's organising it.

[Steve HNZ]

How did Roger Whittle (I think) describe it in another thread. Hot green slimey jealously :D :D We'll expect reports with lots of pics. I've seen shots of this area b4, it looks fantastic.
Steve.

[Marc Lurie]

Right! Here's the heads up boys and girls...

After convening a meeting of the Gauteng Chapter of the Landrovernet.com forum on Friday evening at Golddiggers Grill the following was agreed:

1) That Jorge (the owner of Golddiggers) should be publicly flogged for not having any coffee apart from instant, and for running out of Guinness.
2) That Marc has an inordinate fondness for whiskey and soda.
3) That Emlyn definitely has the most interesting job (he'd spent the whole day shmoozing and drinking with a whole herd of ladies in the travel industry)
4) That Norman does have one of the most interesting landrovers in the country (1960's airportable. It was his when he was in the Brit Army)
but more importantly:
5) That a trip to Lesotho is definitely on the cards.

For any non-Africans who don't know anything about Lesotho here's a quick introduction:
Lesotho (pronounced le-SUE-too) is a tiny country which is completely surrounded by South Africa. It is a sovereign state (constitutional monarchy), recognised by the UN, and headed by King Letsie III, and Prime Minister Mosisile.

Lesotho has the highest lowest point of any country in the world. The lowest point of Lesotho is about 1400m ASL, and 80% of the country is above 1800m ASL. This makes driving in Lesotho quite a chore as engines don't perform well at these altitudes. Combine a sluggish engine with mountain passes that are rocky, muddy, have 600m drops, and require three point turns and you have a Landy paradise/nightmare.

Lesotho is known as the "Mountain Kingdom" for good reason. It seems that you are always either going up a mountain or going down a mountain.

There is an excellent link here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lesotho) for general information.

The general plan for the trip is to leave for Lesotho early on Friday 21st September. The trip to the border is about 5 hours for the series vehicles. We will enter the country and probably go to Katse Dam where we will rough camp on the banks. We will hopefully dine on freshly caught trout steamed on an open fire. The next day we will probably drive via Mokgotlong to Sani Top. The Sani Pass is a famous mountain pass between Lesotho and South Africa. The windy bits of the pass are only about 7km long, but it takes well over an hour in good weather. We'll go down the pass, back into SA and possibly have lunch in Himeville or Underberg, then it's back up the pass to find some place to camp. On Sunday we'll head off towards Sehlabatebe Nature Reserve where we can camp, chill out, have a braai, drink a few bottles of nice red wine, go for walks etc...

Monday 24th is a public holiday in SA, so we head of through Ramatseliso's Gate down into SA where we go through the picturesque little village of Rhodes and Mclear, then on to Barkley east, Bloemfontein, and then back to Johannesburg.

Anyway, that's the plan. As we all know, you can't make plans in Africa so it's all likely to change.:D

Now, here's an additional idea we discussed. It would be fantastic if some of the other forum members would join us. We have place for 5 or 6 extra people to come along with us. We have enoiugh camping equipment etc. to lend out for these people.

If you're reading this post and you're thinking "Hmmm, and African Landrover trip. Now that DOES sound good" then how is this for an idea:
1) You take ten days off work
2) You buy a ticket to Johannesburg (Ordinary SAA tickets from Heathrow are around £700, but I'm sure discounted tickets are available)
3) You spend a few days in Johannesburg where forum members will provide you with free accomodation. You have a look around, visit some of the sights, go on a short animal safari, taste some of the food etc.
4) Come along with us to Lesotho and see an amazing country.
5) You come back with us to Johannesburg, and we drop you off at the airport with much tears and sad goodbyes.

All you'll need to bring is your own clothes and a sleeping bag. The incidental costs will be pretty low here as we will be providing accomodation in Johannesburg, and we will mostly be rough camping in Lesotho. Food and drink in SA is much cheaper than in the UK. For example, a beer in a nice restaurant would cost around 90p and about 50p in a liquor store. A good bottle of red wine would be around £4. A main course at a reasonable restaurant would be between £2.50 (pasta dish) and £7.50 (kick-ass 500g mansize steak, or a dozen giant prawns). Of course, supermarket prices are even lower.

So waddya think? Who's comming over then? Please let me know if you're interested and I'll be able to start making arrangements. I've attached some pics to whet the appetite. They were taken a few years back when I went on a three day horseback trail in Lesotho.

Cheers,
Marc

[K&S]

This makes driving in Lesotho quite a chore ... and require three point turns and you have a Landy paradise/nightmare.

Marc

If you're talking three point turn in a Defender that means 6 to 7 point turn in my 109. :D

[mmgemini]

Would have seriously thought about it but we'll be in the north west of Namibia at the said time.

Margaret & Mike

[Marc Lurie]

Would have seriously thought about it but we'll be in the north west of Namibia at the said time.

Margaret & Mike

Bu&&er!. We spoke about the two of you on Friday evening and all agreed that it'd be great if you could join us.

Ah well, next time. Is there any chance of meeting the two of you while you're in Joburg? Even just for a beer and/or a braai one evening?

Cheers,
Marc

[bvudzichena]

Marc,

The latest incarnation of Tracks 4 Africa shows the places where the youths in Lesotho are throwing stones. This has become somewhat of a national sport over there with Bernard Cohen having had his back window broken a couple of weeks ago when he was Tail End Charlie in a Land Rover Club convoy.

My main concern is that there have been several stoning incidents on the A25 (which is one of the roads we will be travelling on) at the Senqu river, at a drift where one of the Senqu tributories crosses the road as well as a stretch just north and south of Semina School. I'm in, but if some kid throws a stone at my car, there will be problems.

Best I start looking for a cattie and some ball bearings and get my eye in :D

On a practical note. Where do we get insurance / 3rd party for Lesotho? I'm not a big fan of being ripped off by the brokers who have stalls at the border posts?

[Marc Lurie]

I'll have to check about stone throwing. I've never had a problem, but I've also never been in a big convoy.

You don't need third party and insurance for Lesotho. All you need is a passport. The only charges are at some border crossings where it's about R6 to R10 per vehicle.


The latest incarnation of Tracks 4 Africa shows the places where the youths in Lesotho are throwing stones.
SNIP
My main concern is that there have been several stoning incidents on the A25 (which is one of the roads we will be travelling on) at the Senqu river, at a drift where one of the Senqu tributories crosses the road as well as a stretch just north and south of Semina School. I'm in, but if some kid throws a stone at my car, there will be problems.

SNIP

On a practical note. Where do we get insurance / 3rd party for Lesotho? I'm not a big fan of being ripped off by the brokers who have stalls at the border posts?

[mmgemini]

Thanks for those kind words Marc :D We have recently revised our planning when I thought about mossies and water ;) so I think we will now head eastwards at the start of our journey through the Caprivi then down from Kasane through Chobe and Moremi, visit our school on the Boteti river then head SE down to the border towards your neck of the woods so we could possibly be in your area in November so we must arrange something to meet everybody.

With regard to the stone throwing in Lesotho - lots of people on the Overland Forum (overland-forum@googlegroups.com) have reported stone throwing incidents by the youngsters especially when they have ignored their shouts for sweets. More when vehicles were in convoy than in 1's and 2's

Margaret

[Marc Lurie]

We must certainly do something in Nov. even if it's just a good braai.

The stone throwing thing was brought on by themselves. When people started handing out sweets that's when expectations are fed, and the kids get more aggressive. As more and more people visit Lesotho and do stupid things like give out sweets, bribe cops, destroy the limited firewood in the area, and generally act like pigs, they essentially screw up the country for those decent visitors who will contribute to the country in a meaningful manner.

An interesting statistic emerged in Lesotho. After 1995 (two things happened simultaneously around 1995: South Africans started travelling again, and the Asian countries started to produce cheap 4x4 vehicles and the SUV fashion was born.) there was a marked increase in dental problems aongst kids. This was put down to SA tourists giving them sweets. With their previous balanced meals dental problems hardly existed.

The same thing happened in Southern Mozambique, Botswana, and Swaziland.


With regard to the stone throwing in Lesotho - lots of people on the Overland Forum (overland-forum@googlegroups.com) have reported stone throwing incidents by the youngsters especially when they have ignored their shouts for sweets. More when vehicles were in convoy than in 1's and 2's

Margaret

[bvudzichena]

Mike,

Like you, I also follow that forum :D

This is probably going to get me into no end of trouble with the do gooders and the bleeding hearts, but in the same way that one doesn't feed animals in a game park, one should not give the kids next to the road sweets, money or anything else.

You are doing the right thing by supporting a school.

First off sweets bad for their teeth. Secondly this behaviour teaches them that they can get stuff by begging and lastly, they've now learned that they can get their own way by scaring people. This is very much a case of "give us sweets or it's going to cost you a couple of thousand Rand for a new window or a paint job".

These kids are learning really bad habits at an early age, so I'm with Bernard. If they throw stones, throw stones back (or in my case, shoot them on their ars*s with a catapult (http://www.whipperleys.co.uk/acatalog/catapult_buy_catapult_ammo.html) and ball bearings).

[seekingserenity]

I'd like to make a suggestion, if I may. Although September is not mid-winter, there's a good chance of snowfalls still, which may mean the pass is closed on the one weekend it should be open! :) Perhaps a couple of alternative routes can be thought of, just in case. "Plan B" - still around Lesotho, but not requiring being stuck in any wait-till-it-thaws situations.

[Marc Lurie]

Michelle, you obviously didn't read my original post carefully enough ;) I did say that planning was impossible to do in Africa, and that plans are virtually guaranteed to change.

When it comes to doing anything outside SA, I hardly ever plan anything. I far prefer to get somewhere, and if I like it I stay, if I don't like it I leave. :)

Marc

[mmgemini]

Michelle, you obviously didn't read my original post carefully enough ;) I did say that planning was impossible to do in Africa, and that plans are virtually guaranteed to change.

When it comes to doing anything outside SA, I hardly ever plan anything. I far prefer to get somewhere, and if I like it I stay, if I don't like it I leave. :)

Marc


SNAP :D

[floyd fan]

Well this is something I'de realy like too do. Passed it by SWMBO, unfortunatly got no spare cash this time, but if the same offer comes around next year I would probably take you up on it.

[bvudzichena]

SWMBO,

Here we add an "A" between the W and the M. "A" stands for Always.

We've found SWAMBO is easier on the tongue than SWMBO and it also reminds us that if you don't Always Obey, you will be FUBAR :D

[mmgemini]

You've been reading H Rider Haggard [sp]

[El Stiemo]

Mist!

Which means "dung" in German... I unfortunately am going on Tour on the 20th September, so no go for me. Would have loved Lesotho.

Pity...

:(

[Marc Lurie]

That's a big pity Frank. I'm sure you'd love Lesotho. Next time...:)

[El Stiemo]

Yup, no problem.

Have Kettie, will drive Lesotho.

BTW, did you watch the rugby yesterday?

:eek:

[Marc Lurie]

BTW, did you watch the rugby yesterday?

OF COURSE!!!! OK, so we didn't win, but it's not too bad for a B-team.:D You have to admit, the Aussies played a less-than-dazzling game, and it was only sheer experience that won them the game. The bokke will be using Saturday's game as a great learning experience for the World Cup.

There's a lot of world cup promise in the young team. That Bevan Fortuin is ballsy and not shy to tackle. Pietersen had a poor game, and I've seen better from him.

Personally, I think that Gary Botha is one of our impact players, and losing him to the bin for 10 minutes may not have cost us the match, but it was a major contributor.

HOWEVER... let's not get into southern hemisphere rugby on this thread. ;)

[El Stiemo]

Ahh Marc...

If only South Africa had been able to maintain the pace from the first couple of minutes...

But, OK, lets leave the rugby at that. I'm just jealous anyway, I wish Namibia were able to play like that...

Namibia - the cannon fodder at the last RWC...:(

Cheers Frank

[Roger Whittle]

Okay, I'm one step closer. 'Er indoors says the finances can take an air ticket hit - a cheap one anyway - so the next issue is; jabs. What jabs will I need, bearing in mind I'm a soft, southern, spawny eyed wazzock who's never been to Africa?

Are you sure this is on guys? It sounds too good to be true and yet I'm provisionally booking vacation (unconfirmed as yet), looking at air fares and thinking about painful jabs. :D

Is there room for another Brit? I've tempted Andy Deaves and, even though he is buying an '03 or '04 Series II TD5 Disco as we speak, he was bouncing off the walls and checking if he can get time off when I mentioned the Lesotho trip.

I was talking to an SA Radiographer today and she was entranced. She said Jo'burg isn't much of a trip, but she actually envied me the chance of the Lesotho ride.

Please tell me you are all still going. :)

Roger.

[bvudzichena]

Typhoid? Yellow Fever? I haven't got a clue mate. Marc is more clued up on this than I am.

Since we're going to Lesotho and both cattle and humans have been known to poo in the rivers, I'd suggest a cholera vacination.

It may also be a good idea to start a course of anti malaria medication prior to your coming out.

[mmgemini]

Roger, visit your friendly GP ours sorted us out and only need typhoid booster this time we think and hope :rolleyes: They did mention Yellow Fever and Rabies but I think Y.F. only needed if you actually pass physically through a yellow fever area and what is the chance of being bitten by a rabid animal??

Margaret (using Mike's log-in as usual)

[bvudzichena]

Margaret,

You probably already know this is true and recently happened at Singita (http://www.singita.co.za/boulders.html).

Roger,

Always go to the shower prepared for any eventuality.

[seekingserenity]

Roger,

Always go to the shower prepared for any eventuality.

Agreed - and make sure you check the toilet before you sit down too.

[bvudzichena]

I know those eight legged beasts.

This past weekend I got to wrestle with one while sorting an expedition roofrack.

[floyd fan]

:cryeyesou wish I was going. Roger you lucky git :D. Dont suppose that radiographer was girl named Alex was it?

[mmgemini]

Certainly don't like those 8 leggers - mind DOOM makes short work of them

Margaret

[Marc Lurie]

Hi Roger,

Don't mind the horror stories, they're just trying to frighten you ;)

You don't need any jabs at all for Lesotho or Johannesburg.They're both completely malaria free so that's no worry.

Cholera is a minor possibility in Lesotho, but highly unlikely. If you drink untreated river water you're far more likely to pick up e-coli than cholera. Besides, the World Health Organisation has stopped recommending cholera vaccinations because there is some serious doubt as to their efficacy.

I think that the biggest medical worry you will have is what is known in Afrikaans as "babalas". Do a Google, and you'll figure it out :D

As far as Johannesburg not being a good destination, I quite disagree. One can't but help being impressed by the biggest city in the whole of Africa. There's tons to do, places to see, restaurants to visit etc.

Roger, as far as I'm concerned, the trip is definitely on. Brigid has taken leave over that period, and I've told my partners that I will be away. There's certainly space for Andy Deaves (is he a forum member?) one way or another.

Cheers,
Marc

[Roger Whittle]

Yes, Andy joined us about the time of the Ryhader Treasure hunt (and caught the Land Rover bug after driving my Disco :D ) I'll get him to PM you.

Have we still got Kevin, Emlyn and Bvudzi?

I will certainly check out Babalas - I take it we are talking about Montezuma's Revenge or Dheli Belly? :D

Roger.

[bvudzichena]

I'm doing my level best to be there.

[Marc Lurie]

I will certainly check out Babalas - I take it we are talking about Montezuma's Revenge or Dheli Belly? :D

Heavens, NO!!! :D We're civilised down here, not some stinking rat-infested hole like Guadalajara or Delhi :p

I'll give you a clue: Symptoms of a severe case of babalas are terrible headache, dry mouth, uneasy feeling in stomach, sensitivity to light and loud noises, furry taste in mouth, continual death-like groaning. A case of babalas lasts beween 12 and 24 hours, after which time the patient will sometimes immediately become re-infected of his own volition.

A severe case of babalas has an incubation period of a few hours, and a normal healthy man can be reduced to a gibbering wreck in just one evening.

Babalas is a condition that most Southern Africans live with as a chronic, recurring syndrome. It's aparently also endemic in Finland, Russia, and parts of the outhen USA. It's virtully unknown in Libya, Iran, and amongst the Amish.

[bvudzichena]

Marc,

I was thinking of suggesting to Roger that he drink four glases of water after exposing himself to the toxins that cause babalas as this sometimes helps reduce the symptoms, but then I realised that as we're in Lesotho (and if we go back to one of my previous posts) he may end up with something similar to Montezuma's Revenge from drinking the water.

:D :D :D

[Marc Lurie]

Marc,

I was thinking of suggesting to Roger that he drink four glases of water after exposing himself to the toxins that cause babalas as this sometimes helps reduce the symptoms, but then I realised that as we're in Lesotho (and if we go back to one of my previous posts) he may end up with something similar to Montezuma's Revenge from drinking the water.

:D :D :D

We will be taking fresh water with us. I have a 60l tank in the back of the van. I fill it with good ol' Rand Water - best in the world :) Actualy, while it's perfectly safe to drink, the tank gives it a strange taste, so we use the tank water for washing, and we take bottled water fro drinking.

An old cure for babalas is to drink one glass of water every hour for 24 hours. This will cure any case of babalas, unless you become re-infected within the 24 hour period.

[bvudzichena]

Actualy, while it's perfectly safe to drink, the tank gives it a strange taste, so we use the tank water for washing, and we take bottled water fro drinking.


Milton's Baby Bottle Steriliser will soon sort that out.

[seekingserenity]

For those that need to study up before they travel:

Language Crash Course

BABALAS: THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE.

BAKKIE: A SMALL TUP OR A CAR THAT RESEMBLES A PICKUP.

BIGAMIST: HEAVY FOG IN ITALIAN.

BILTONG: DRIED RAW MEAT (AN NO, IT'S NOT BULL'S TONGUE).

BO (BO-KAAP): BO = ABOVE, KAAP = CAPE

BOER: AFRIKAANS FOR FARMER. SOMEONE WHO WEARS SOCKS UP THEIR KNEES.

BOEREKOS: LOTS OF FAT, MEAT, CHOLESTEROL, SUGAR. THIS IS LEKKER FARM
COOKING.

BOEREWORS: SAUSAGE. AN AFRIKAANS LEGACY AND AN INDESPENABLE PART OF THE SA
BRAAI.

BRAAI: THE CULINARY MAINSTAY OF THE NATION. ONLY PERFORMED BY MEN SO THAT
THE WOMEN CAN RELAX IN THE KITCHEN. KNOWN IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD AS A
BARBEQUE, BRAAING IS A NATIONAL PASTIME NO MATTER WHAT RACE OR LANGUAGE.
THREE TIPS: DON'T MESS WITH THE FIREMAKERS FIRE, DON'T COME HUNGRY AND DON'T
GIVE ADVICE.

BRAAI BROTIJKE: BRAAI BREAD. YOU TAKE A SLICE OF TOAST, PUT BUTTER OR
MARGARINE ON TOP, THAN A SLICE OF ONION, A SLICE OF TOMATO AND A SLICE OF
CHEESE (GOUDA OR CHEDDAR). AT LAST PUT A SLICE OF TOAST ON TOP. BRAAI IT
FROM BOTH SIDES UNTIL THE CHEESE MELTS AND THE TOAST IS NOT BURNT YET. THIS
TAKES THE SOUTH AFRICAN INSTEAD OF SALAD FOR HIS BRAAI.

BROOKIE LACE: THE WROUGHT IRON BORDER AROUND A STOEP: A BIT TOUGHER THAN
LINGERIE.

BUCKS: SOUTH AFRICAN MONEY OR AN ANTELOPE.

DOP: A DRINK WITH AN ALCOHOLIC KICK.

EK SE: A QUIRKY AFRIKAANS PHRASE MEANING "I SAY", BUT NOT REALLY
TRANSLATABLE INTO ENGLISH.

FYNBOS: INDIGENOUS PLANTLIFE FOUND IN THE CAPE, NOT TO MISTAKEN FOR ROOIBOS.


HANGOVER: THE MOURNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE.

IS IT?: THE MOST USEFUL, SINGLE PHRASE IN SOUTH AFRICAN ENGLISH. SAID IN
VARYING TONES OF VOICE, IT MEANS "YES, NO, REALLY, YOU DON'T SAY, I DIDN'T
KNOW" AND A WHOLE BUNCH OF OTHER STUFF. YOU CAN HAVE AN ENTIRE CONVERSATION
WITH THIS PHRASE.

JUST NOW or NOW NOW: ANYTHING FROM 5 MINUTES TO 2 WEEKS IN THE PAST OR IN
THE FUTURE.

KARAOKE: JAPANESE FOR "TONE-DEAF DRUNK WITH MICROPHONE".

KHOI/SAN: BUSHMEN

KOPPIE: A SMALL HILL, BUT ALSO ONE CAN SAY A "KOPPIE KOFFIE" (CUP OF
COFFEE).

KOS: AFRIKAANS FOR FOOD OR COST. DE KOS KOS... (NO, NOT THE STUFF THAT LOOKS
LIKE RICE).

KWAITO: BLACK TECHNO. (SOUTH) AFRICAN RAVE MUSIC.

LEKKER: NICE, GOOD. GREAT.

LOSKOP: WHAT A BABALAS DOES TO YOUR MEMORY.

MENSE: PEOPLE

OU: OLD IN AFRIKAANS. USUALLY AN "OU MAN".

OVERSEAS: ANYWHERE THAT IS NOT SOUTH AFRICA.

POTJIE: A TRADITIONAL WAY OF COOKING STEW-TYPE FOOD VERY SLOWLY (MIN. 5
HOURS) IN A CAST IRON POT OVER A FIRE.

ROBOT: TRAFFIC LIGHTS. SO CALLED BECAUSE THEY ARE CAPABLE OF INDEPENDENT
THOUGHT AND MALICIOUS IN ACTION DESIGNED TO ANNOY ANY DRIVER IN A HURRY.

ROOIBOS: OUR FAVOURITE HERBAL TEA.

ROOINEK: THE BOERE INSULT FOR SOMEONE WHO SPEAKS ENGLISH AND GETS SUNBURNT
EASILY.

SANGOMA: AFRICAN WITCHDOCTOR. NOT TO BE MESSED WITH.

SARMIES: SANDWICHES. PEANUT-BUTTER AND JAM IS A SOUTH AFRICAN FAVOURITE. OR
TRY MARMITE - NOT TO BE MISTAKEN FOR MARMALADE.

SHEBEEN: AFRICAN BARS OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY. WHERE ENLIGHTENED WHITIES BUY
BEER ON WEEKENDS.

SKOLLIES: NAUGHTY BAD PEOPLE. USUALLY CRIMINALS. THE KIND OF PEOPLE YOUR
MOTHER WARNED YOU ABOUT, BUT WORSE.

SLAAPSTAD: A PLAY ON KAAPSTAD (AFRIKAANS FOR CAPE TOWN) WHICH MEANS SLEEPY
TOWN BECAUSE EVERYONE IS SO LAID-BACK (LAZY).

SLAP CHIPS: WHAT YOU GET WITH FISH. THEY SHOULD BE SOFT AND GOOEY. FRENCH
FRIES.

SPOOK EN DIESEL: BRANDY AND COKE AND LOTS OF ICE.

STOEP: VERANDA FOUND IN MOST SOUTH AFRICAN HOMES. PRONOUNCED "STOOP".

TREK: TRAVEL OR PULL

VROT (FROT): ROTTEN (FOOD)

[Marc Lurie]

Yellow Fever and Rabies but I think Y.F. only needed if you actually pass physically through a yellow fever area and what is the chance of being bitten by a rabid animal??

As far as I am aware, Yellow Fever shots are not required for UK citizens visiting SA. They're certainly nt a requirement for SA citizens visiting the UK. SA is not a Yello Fever area.

Rabies is a very real danger, but nothing to get hysterical about. You have a long time (14 days) after exposure to rabies to get treatment. The post-exposure treatment is highly effective. So, in the extremely unlikelyevent of an animal bite in Lesotho, there's more than enough time to drive through to a decent hospital or medical facility in Johannesburg and get the treatment.

I'm checking visa requirements for UK citizens, but I doubt if they're required.

Marc

[Marc Lurie]

As I thought, visas are NOT required for UK citizens for Lesotho or South Africa, only a valid passport.

What is important to know is that the South African authorities will not allow entry into South Africa unless there are TWO COMPLETELY BLANK PAGES in the passport. I don't know why this is the case, and several people have been refused entry because of this.

[mmgemini]

As I thought, visas are NOT required for UK citizens for Lesotho or South Africa, only a valid passport.

What is important to know is that the South African authorities will not allow entry into South Africa unless there are TWO COMPLETELY BLANK PAGES in the passport. I don't know why this is the case, and several people have been refused entry because of this.

That means we're in the clear 'cos the passport is new........

[bvudzichena]

Roger (and others who may join us).

Jokes aside, it's time to get serious.

As you may or may not know, I have a shareholding in a business that's involved in hunting. I've seen my fair share of what happens "when things go wrong".

Therefore, because accidents happen, I'd like to add this:

Please get health insurance to cover you while you are out here.
Please ensure that your health insurance covers travel in a 4x4 - they like to exclude that one.
Please also ensure that your health insurance covers airlifting to any hospital (and not airlifting to the nearest facility).
Please also ensure that your health insurance covers repatriation to the UK.

Lastly - and this is the biggie: Get something in writing from your insurers that clearly states that the product you have bought covers your treatment and stay in both the Life Healthcare and Netcare facilities in South Africa.

[Roger Whittle]

Roger (and others who may join us).

Jokes aside, it's time to get serious.

As you may or may not know, I have a shareholding in a business that's involved in hunting. I've seen my fair share of what happens "when things go wrong".

Therefore, because accidents happen, I'd like to add this:

Please get health insurance to cover you while you are out here.
Please ensure that your health insurance covers travel in a 4x4 - they like to exclude that one.
Please also ensure that your health insurance covers airlifting to any hospital (and not airlifting to the nearest facility).
Please also ensure that your health insurance covers repatriation to the UK.

Lastly - and this is the biggie: Get something in writing from your insurers that clearly states that the product you have bought covers your treatment and stay in both the Life Healthcare and Netcare facilities in South Africa.


Hmmm. Sobering stuff Bvud. I have had problems with health insurance, precisely because I did have a heart attack - fourteen years ago. I will get coverage for the trip only, otherwise it will cost more than the air fares! :eek:

Ho-hum. Just when I had almost psyched myself up to book the tickets and ask Marc to meet me at the airport - Jan Smuts is it? - good old, ever practical Bvudzi comes along and scares me sh*tless again. I have travelled - sometimes to some outlandish places - but I am not a traveller like you lot. Lesotho looks lovely, the trip sounds outstanding and the prospect of meeting some of you guys is very exciting, but .....

I will look in to it Bvudzi, you are absolutely right to make the point. :)

Roger.

[Marc Lurie]

Jan Smuts is it?

Well, it changes so often that we're not even sure. ;) It was Jan Smuts, then it became Johannesburg International, and then this year it was renamed O.R.Tambo International Airport.

Roger, AFAIK, travel insurance is free of charge if you buy your ticket with certain credit cards.

I hope that you can get the insurance Roger, and I'm not suggesting that you shouldn't, but I'm sure that Bvudzi will agree that the chances of something going wrong are extremely slim. He wasn't trying to scare the hell out of you, he's just being sensible.

We're not located in an earthquake zone, icebergs pose no danger, our Minister of Tourism has declared SA a tornado-free-zone, Johannesburg has NEVER had a flood, and we're so friendly to everyone that the chances of Al Qaeda bombing us are neglegable. Natural disasters are extremely unlikely. The most likley unfortunate incident is probably traffic related, and being in a Landrover means that we never really go fast enough to get into serious trouble. :)

Also, to put your mind a little at ease, South Africa has excellent healthcare facilities in all major centres so you'll be in good hands if anything does go wrong.

[mmgemini]

Morning Marc,
While on the topic of Health/Travel insyrance is it possible for ther likes of Mike & I to get insurance with the likes of Net Care etc?

Margaret

[K&S]

Have we still got Kevin........ ?

Roger.

At ths stage yes. Things are looking okay. But I must say if I see anymore of those spiders then NO WAY :eek:

[bvudzichena]

At ths stage yes. Things are looking okay. But I must say if I see anymore of those spiders then NO WAY :eek:

Now you know why I was eyeing your roofrack when I was working on your truck. :D :D :D

Looks like you and I will be sitting on the roofrack, waiting for Michelle, Shirl or Bridget to stomp on it.

[seekingserenity]

Ja, us chicks are TOUGH! (right, girls? ;)) Of course photographic evidence will have to be taken of the manne on the roofrack, and widely distributed.

[Marc Lurie]

Lesotho's actually quite a benign place insect wise. :) Up at Sani Top the only living things you see apart from people and sheep, is the little three-striped mouse who lives in the cracks and crevices in the rocks. They're actually quite cute, and very timid.

In the lower areas there's obviously normal sort of insect life, but I've never seen anything really scary.

Here's my insect rating scale for the countries I've been to: :D

:eek: Lesotho, Libya, Tanzania, Senegal
:eek: :eek: Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Namibia, Botswana,
:eek: :eek: :eek: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: Nigeria, Angola, Ghana
:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: Uganda, Malawi, Congo

South Africa gets a :eek: :eek: rating if you remove the Parktown Prawn (which pushes it up to :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: rating)

[seekingserenity]

What no-one has mentioned yet is the semi-precious stones in Lesotho. I remember picking up handfuls of agates in a river on a trip to the Drakensberg when I was 8, and again just after school when we went to renovate a mission school too (had one stuck with superglue on my "wedding ring" - whole other story that :D ).

Still have a couple of those stones.

[Andy Deaves]

Hi dudes and dudette's it Andy!

Yes, I was in SA for 3 weeks in December with my Saffa ex', am I still allowed to come? It wasn't my fault, she dumped me in January!! :( If I was to say south Africa is my spritial home will it make a difference? I've got all Johnny Cleggs CD's! Okay, enough crawling... I want to come too!
So how about it? who's rig am I in?

[Roger Whittle]

Be warned everybody, Deaves is another Scout Leader in my District and has been routinely described by a lady Scout Leader of our acquaintance as; 'That boy is barking'. :D He ought to fit right in.

I spoke to him this afternoon and his wrods were; 'We're goin' Roge'. From this moment on I am now, officially, excited.:) It still seems quite fantastic that I am contemplating this trip, bearing in mind the way in which it has been thought out, decided and planned (as far as that word stretches). :D

In answer to your question Marc, yes, please. For Andy's benefit, Marc asked if we were going to arrive a couple of days before the off to aclimatise, and he offered to take time off to be with us. What do you reccommend Marc? Leave London on the 18th, which should get us to Jo'burg on the 19th? Start out for Lesotho on the 21st, returning when? I'm booking vacation to the 28th inclusive, so I guess we can leave Jo'burg on 28th, which will get us back here on the 29th? Does that fit?

So, is Michelle coming and will that be with or without Series III?

Oh gosh, I'm getting goose bumps just thinking about this. :) :)

Roger.

[seekingserenity]

So, is Michelle coming and will that be with or without Series III?

... watch this space... ;)

Good thing this isn't going to be a Mozambique trip.

[floyd fan]

Lol :laa:

[Marc Lurie]

... watch this space... ;)

Good thing this isn't going to be a Mozambique trip.


Hey Michelle,

The only time there is a lion/human encounter in Inhambane province is when a Transvaal rugby supporter is on holiday there and he gets pi$$ed on 2M and picks a fight with some locals. If he's from Pretoria, then it's a bull/human encounter ;)

[bvudzichena]

If he's from Pretoria, then it's a bull/human encounter ;)

Hy soek mos nou goed wat kon gebly het.

SA must be the only place in the world here bulls kill lions between the months of February and October :D :D :D

[El Stiemo]

The more I look at this thread, the more I want to join you guys on the trip. Mind, if the current situation re tourists continues here, and especially the media coverage thereof, this group might still cancel... In which case expect me to gatecrash...

Cheers Frank

[bvudzichena]

Frank,

Were you involved in hosting the La't Wiel team when they put the new Land Cruiser 70 through it's paces in the dunes?

[El Stiemo]

Frank,

Were you involved in hosting the La't Wiel team when they put the new Land Cruiser 70 through it's paces in the dunes?

Nope. They have established contacts here, but I or my company didn't have anything to do with that.

I suspect that they used the company that holds the concession for the Saddle Hill and Luederitz to Walvis dune drives. Without this concession, you are not allowed to drive in that area as a private person.

Cheers Frank

[Marc Lurie]

What do you reccommend Marc? Leave London on the 18th, which should get us to Jo'burg on the 19th? Start out for Lesotho on the 21st, returning when? I'm booking vacation to the 28th inclusive, so I guess we can leave Jo'burg on 28th, which will get us back here on the 29th?

If you can, rather leave on the 17th. If you then arrive on the 18th, we can do Johannesburg stuff on Tuesday, we can do the Pilanesberg on Wednesday, and if you'd like to, we stay over at Pilanesberg Wednesday night, return to Johannesburg Thursday, do a bit of Joburg stuff, and then leave for Lesotho on Friday. You'll then have two or three days in Johannesburg after the long weekend, and there's no shortage of things to do while you're here. Yoiu just have to let me know what your interests are...

Would you be happy to fly back to Heathrow and then go straight to work? If so, then leave on the 28th, otherwise, leave on the 27th and you'll have a day to unpack, get over the hangover, etc.

Andy, welcome aboard. You're very welcome to join in with us, just leave the CD's at home. We've got them all on the iPod :D CD's don't work in Lesotho because of the bumps.

[Roger Whittle]

Errr .... I'll have to think about the 17th Marc. Andy and I are organisers on a District Camping Competition - been on the programme for yonks. It'd be tough to come home from camp on Sunday evening, then get on a plane for SA sometime the following day. :eek:

I'll start be checking the plane times again. If it was lateish on Monday evening, that might be a goer. I'll speak to Andy over the weekend.

It'll really depend on flight times and UK airports as to which airline we use, but 'Emirates' are pretty good - they are the ones that stop over at Dubai. Air Kenya stop in Niarobi.

Roger.

[Andy Deaves]

I'll start be checking the plane times again. If it was lateish on Monday evening, that might be a goer. I'll speak to Andy over the weekend.

It'll really depend on flight times and UK airports as to which airline we use, but 'Emirates' are pretty good - they are the ones that stop over at Dubai. Air Kenya stop in Niarobi.

Roger.

Hi Rog, well as you'd expect of me I made someone an offer they couldn't understand :D so I'm definately on the plane and brother we're up for a Lekker time in SA! I would strongly recommend we fly non-stop....or we'll never get to see the end of the in-flight movie! But seriously, it would be better and we'll arrive earlier



Andy, welcome aboard. You're very welcome to join in with us, just leave the CD's at home. We've got them all on the iPod :D CD's don't work in Lesotho because of the bumps.

Thank you Marc, I am sooo looking forward to being back in SA and meeting you and the other gals and guys.
Is there anything you guys would like brought out from the UK? Serious question...

[Andy Deaves]

I'll start be checking the plane times again. If it was lateish on Monday evening, that might be a goer. I'll speak to Andy over the weekend.


Roger.

Okay, I have been looking at flights Rog!

We can chose either a direct flight of 11 hours or 18 hours and we get to build sand castles in Dubai! I prefer 7 hours more beer drinking, polite conversation and aclimatisation in Jo'burg :cheers: (and the same on the way back so that equals 14 hours )and stuff the extra £230!

There is not much to chose between Virgin, BA and SAA, but if we fly SAA we can use my SAA Voyager loyalty membership and we get to keep the airmiles if we ever get an invitation to fly out and play again....and of course the SA trolley dollies are more beautiful on SAA! And if we get you into a wheelchair we'll also get to the front of the queue and straight through immigtration! Excellent! :D

SAA
Departure at LHR 19.00 on 17th - Arrival JNB 06.50 on 18th

Departure at JNB 20.15 on 28th - Arrival LHR 7.00 on 29th (must check times again) £714.70 pp and the goodie bag is excellent!

I will let you give me a call once you have had a think

Have a better one today!

Andy Roughboy

[bvudzichena]

Guys,

I fly a lot and have flown with SAA, BA and Emirates.

Use BA. SAA isn't what it was - even six months ago.

[Marc Lurie]

Guys,

I fly a lot and have flown with SAA, BA and Emirates.

Use BA. SAA isn't what it was - even six months ago.

I have no problems with SAA. It is all a matter of luck anyway. If you get a great crew, then you have a great flight. If it's a miserable crew, you have a cr@p flight. Every airline is like that, especially in cattle class. :D

[Marc Lurie]

I prefer 7 hours more beer drinking, polite conversation and aclimatisation in Jo'burg :cheers: (and the same on the way back so that equals 14 hours )

Sounds like this one is going to be a handful Bvudzi. :D

[bvudzichena]

Sounds like this one is going to be a handful Bvudzi. :D

You could always drop him off at the Keg on the way to work and collect him on the way home :D :D :D

[Andy Deaves]

Sounds like this one is going to be a handful Bvudzi. :D

Ha! Not really guy's, gave you the wrong impression....I still like to keep single vision and my liver function normal :D but I'm sure we'll sink a few beers when we're having a braai in the bush!?

[Roger Whittle]

I warned you. :D :rolleyes:


Roger.

[Andy Deaves]

I warned you. :D :rolleyes:


Roger.

It's okay Rog, they trust me! yoyo! :D

So Rog, has it sunk in yet? We have to go to save a damsel in distress...We have to save Michelle from boredom!

[bvudzichena]

So Rog, has it sunk in yet? We have to go to save a damsel in distress...We have to save Michelle from boredom!

Michelle's never bored :D

[seekingserenity]

Michelle's never bored :D

Beg to differ Bvudz. The main page shoutbox has borne witness to two nights in a row of mind-numbing boredom... Hell, I nearly went for a run I was so bored! :D

[bvudzichena]

Beg to differ Bvudz. The main page shoutbox has borne witness to two nights in a row of mind-numbing boredom... Hell, I nearly went for a run I was so bored! :D

So this is what happens when I leave you alone at home to go drinking with my mates :eek:

Oh well, I'll just have to drag you along next time :D

[seekingserenity]

So this is what happens when I leave you alone at home to go drinking with my mates :eek:

Oh well, I'll just have to drag you along next time :D

Definitely! Always good to have someone available to haul you home and put you to bed after a night on the town.

Better check with the mates first though - dunno how they feel about chicks dancing on tables. :D

[Andy Deaves]

Definitely! Always good to have someone available to haul you home and put you to bed after a night on the town.

Better check with the mates first though - dunno how they feel about chicks dancing on tables. :D

Aaah! thats what I like about South African's, you are so caring! I will look forward to being tucked up in my sleeping bag if I over indulge! :D

Michelle, you and the girls can dance on mine and Rogs' table just so long as you don't knock over our beer okay? Are the dance floors a little overcrowded?

[Roger Whittle]

Following Bvudzi's advice, I today tried to arrange some travel insurance for the Sani Pass trip and, given my health history, I was expecting a certain amount of nausea. Well, nausea I got, but not, as you might expect, because of my history. That can be overcome quite simply, by throwing money at it. More than £50 to be added to any single trip premium. :eek:

No, what brought my extremely polite and attentive Indian lady - who claimed to be 'Lizzie', but who was probably Ayisha or Maherra - to the brink of panic and drove her off to consult with her senior supervisor was ....... camping.

South Africa she didn't mind, Lesotho she didn't seem to mind - as long as it was 'South Africa'. I explained it was an independent, sovereign state surrounded by SA and that seemed okay, but I'm certain she still wasn't certain. :rolleyes: It was camping that was the problem. She sought her supervisor, who obviously said they would cover camping, but ........

I had to understand my personal liablity and accident cover would be suspended when I was 'camping'. I couldn't understand this at all and asked who she thought I was going hurt while I was in my tent? She didn't understand this and ploughed on, but I brought her back and asked how the insurance company denfined camping and at what pointI would be considered 'camping enough' to suspend that part of my insurance they refused to cover.

I couldn't even get her to agree that this cut off point would be when I pitched a tent and took it down again. It might be when I got in the Land Rover at the start of the day on which we intended to camp. :eek:

I've had to ask for written quotations for every compilation of cover. As far as I can make out, it should cost about £100 including the health risk premium. :rolleyes:

Other than that, Andy and I will be booking our tickets in the next day or so - probably the directissimo. Apparently the SAA flight leaves LHR sometime in the evening, thus giving us just enough time to get our kit together and get to the airport, after the previously mentioned weekend camp. :Countdown

Roger.

[Marc Lurie]

What? They won't cover you when you're camping, but they'll cover you while you're driving between Johannesburg to Pretoria with all the taxis?!?:rolleyes:

[Andy Deaves]

What? They won't cover you when you're camping, but they'll cover you while you're driving between Johannesburg to Pretoria with all the taxis?!?:rolleyes:

Hi Marc, I haven't told Rog about the Taxi's or he'll flip....oh darn it! 'I let the cat out the bag' :D Don't worry Rog it is pure entertainment value...just so long as we don't drive behind them in case something falls off like wheels...luggage...bumpers..axels!! :eek: I laughed my socks off on the drive along the garden route with the carnage on the hard shoulder including burned out taxis! :D

Okay, is it considered camping if Rog sleeps in a Landi? Perhaps she thought you were wearing womens clothing Rog!? :D That would explain it...the insurance broker call centre must have been in India!

61 Sleeps until we're in SA!

[Marc Lurie]

Hi Marc, I haven't told Rog about the Taxi's or he'll flip....oh darn it! 'I let the cat out the bag' :D Don't worry Rog it is pure entertainment value...

Oh heck! You mean he doesn't know? :eek: We'll have to take him on a "taxi safari" then :D


In 2002 I had an interesting altercation with a taxi. I used to drive a Jaguar XJ-SC V12 Cabriolet (http://www.jag-lovers.org/xj-s/photos/87xj-sc.jpg), and I'd just recently been contracted to hire it out as a prop for a movie in a weeks time. Anyway, I'm on my way to work and I see a taxi barreling down the road towards me. Something just seemed odd about the taxi, but I couldn't put my finger on what was wrong. Then I noticed that his rear inside wheel was "leaving" the taxi. Not just the wheel, but the whole wheel AND halfshaft still attached.

It was such a bizarre sight, that at first I didn't register what was happening. Then this bouncing death-device came lurching towards me and there was no way to avoid it. It smashed into the front of the Jag, wrecking the bonnet, radiator, front grille, windscreen, and the passenger side door. A complete mess that cost R74,000 to repair.

The taxi driver wasn't insured, so my insurance company had to cough up, and I had to pay the excess of R5000. There's no way I'd ever get the R5000 from the taxi driver.

The taxi was a death trap. Every road wheel was missing at least one wheel nut, and several of the wheel nuts were just ordinary hex nuts. The chassis was so rusted that it sagged in the middel, and the body could probably just be lifted off the chassis. Lights were missing and the rear window was made from a plastic bag.

[Andy Deaves]

Other than that, Andy and I will be booking our tickets in the next day or so - probably the directissimo. Apparently the SAA flight leaves LHR sometime in the evening, thus giving us just enough time to get our kit together and get to the airport, after the previously mentioned weekend camp. :Countdown

Roger.

Right Rog, is that my cue to get the tickets? 'chomp-chomp-whinnie!!'

I will leave work early and will arrange to pick you up from home in my very sexy L318. I will also arrange parking at Heathrow and our transfer to the terminal...am I rushing you? I'm Andy 'Fly me'
Lastly, I am also heavily insured to take into consideration all risks including alcohol poisoning and bad breath! :D
All you need to do is give a little whistle!

Still only 61 sleeps to SA!

[Roger Whittle]

Oh heck! You mean he doesn't know? :eek: We'll have to take him on a "taxi safari" then :D


.................................................. ......................................

Marc, Andy, Guys, you forget that by the nature of my job I am practically a professional driver and a London driver at that. If I might borrow a Land Rover for a moment, I will demonstrate some techniques from my repetoir, including; the 'Higgins Drift', the; 'Rolling up to traffic lights, clutchless drag start' and that all time favourite; 'Legally persuading "white van man" to come to a halt against the curb with his brakes on fire.'

I have driven the Peripherique in Paris; the Strada Centrale in Milan; B1 (E14) between Essen and Dortmund; I 280 aka New Jersey Turnpike in the USA and only last Monday; Victoria to Marble Arch via Park Lane non stop.

Jo'burg Taxi's? Pish. :D

Roger.

[Marc Lurie]

I have driven the Peripherique in Paris; the Strada Centrale in Milan;

Jo'burg Taxi's? Pish. :D

Roger.

Driven the Peripherique :bowdown: That takes some cajones.

But cocking a snoot at Joburg taxis is fighting talk. :D

[Andy Deaves]

I have driven the Peripherique in Paris; the Strada Centrale in Milan; B1 (E14) between Essen and Dortmund; I 280 aka New Jersey Turnpike in the USA and only last Monday; Victoria to Marble Arch via Park Lane non stop.

Roger.

Sorry Rog, in the immortal words of our founder B-P 'Be Prepared' to "Be Affraid...be Very Affraid!" :eek: Did I tell you that most Saffa Taxi's don't have MOT's or licensed drivers...and you thought the French were bad! :D

[Henk Coetzee]

I just saw this thread while looking for something else. Time is a little tight at the moment, but I'm very keen.

[bvudzichena]

Henk ou seun!

Dit is goed om you hier te sien.

Groetnis

[Roger Whittle]

I just saw this thread while looking for something else. Time is a little tight at the moment, but I'm very keen.


Hello Henk - tempted? Andy and I couln't resist and we aren't from round there. Oh, and whatever Bvudzi said - which I think was; 'its good to see you on here.'

Roger.

[Henk Coetzee]

Oh, and whatever Bvudzi said - which I think was; 'its good to see you on here.'

That's an impressive bit of translation.

[Roger Whittle]

That's an impressive bit of translation.

Ah, but was it right? :rolleyes:

Roger.

[Marc Lurie]

Ah, but was it right? :rolleyes:

Roger.

Spot on Roger. Well done. :) Now translate this into English:

"My pen is in my hand" :D

[Andy Deaves]

Spot on Roger. Well done. :) Now translate this into English:

"My pen is in my hand" :D

May pen s n may hunt! ou seun! :D

Now admit it..you are impressed!?

[Marc Lurie]

May pen s n may hunt! ou seun! :D

Now admit it..you are impressed!?

Nope. It's spelled EXACTLY the same way in Afrikaans. :D Just pronounced differently.

[Andy Deaves]

Nope. It's spelled EXACTLY the same way in Afrikaans. :D Just pronounced differently.

:Rant: No pleasing some people! :D

[bvudzichena]

Guys!

Time to start getting serious.

Please download and read this (http://home2.btconnect.com/pmi/ebooks/Lesotho.pdf).

Marc and Kev, are we using 29Mhz or VHF?

I know Kev has a 29Meg in his truck and Marc has an all seeing eye in his, but I need to get something for Olivia, so I need to know.

Are we meeting at Ladybrand, Ficksburg or Underberg? We need to start planning and since I won't have time to get a new Deepender sorted before the trip, I'm going to have to navigate in Michelle's truck.

[Marc Lurie]

:D I'd prefer to use VHF, and I can supply several mobile VHF units and magnetic antennas for other vehicles as well as a few portables.

I think that one sentence sums up the people in the article you posted: "Mike then realised that he was in trouble - but coudn't turn back".

These nutcases went LOOKING for the most difficult way through, IN WINTER, and then if that weren't dangerous enough, they allow themselves to get into a situation they can't get out of. It's simply sheer amateur planning, and reckless disregard for Mama Afrika, who will slap you hard if you're an idiot. :D If you're in ANY doubt, walk the route first!!!

There's plenty of other do-able passes and routes to occupy our time. There's the Mokgoabong Pass (if I remember the name correctly) which is easy in good weather, and good fun (once you've completed it, not during) in the wet, without being overly (and stupidly) exposed to damaging your vehicle and your body.

Bvudzi, if you're coming from Somerset West, then you'll have a loooong way to come if you want to enter at Ficksburg. It's possibly be easier for you to enter near Rhodes/Maclear via Barkley East, although looking at the map, it looks about the same distance via Bloemfontein to Ladybrand. So Ladybrand/Maseru may be the best bet, besides, fuel is cheaper in Lesotho, so a fill-up in Maseru is a good idea.

We need to have a meeting somewhere to sit around and have a discussion about what we need to take, who has what, and what goes where. Any suggestions?

[seekingserenity]

Bvudzi, if you're coming from Somerset West, then you'll have a loooong way to come if you want to enter at Ficksburg.

Marc, we reckon we either need to start driving when the UK blokes hit the airport - or start now already! :D

[Marc Lurie]

I hadn't thought about starting in Underberg because from Joburg you have to go all the way around Lesotho to get there, but it's a viable option to think about.


When can we have that meeting? I called Emlyn today, but he's away until the 5th(?) of August.

[Marc Lurie]

Marc, we reckon we either need to start driving when the UK blokes hit the airport - or start now already! :D

Hee hee :) You're not THAT slow Michelle. What's it, about 800km from you to Bloemfontein? And then about 100km to Maseru from Bloem. 900km is do-able in an S3 in a long day.

Roger and Andy are arriving on the 18th. I've booked us into the Pilanesberg on the 19th, and we'll be back in Joburg on the 20th, ready for Lesotho.

[seekingserenity]

We don't plan on pushing it too far or too fast - will probably split the journey over 2 days or so. This is an old, slow truck, meant for counting windmills and rocks through the Karroo and not zipping along. Would like to make it there in one piece!

But my navigator has more info on the plans and strategies... I just drive. :D

[bvudzichena]

Best you guys come down here for the meeting. We'll organise tents in the garden :D :D :D

[K&S]

:D .... and magnetic antennas ....



I have this vast amount of aluminium all around me when I'm in my landy.

[seekingserenity]

I have this vast amount of aluminium all around me when I'm in my landy.

Funny, was thinking the exact same thing! :D

[Marc Lurie]

I have this vast amount of aluminium all around me when I'm in my landy.

Granted, but that's what roof racks, bull bars, jerry cans, and bonnet hinges are for. ;)

[Andy Deaves]

:D We need to have a meeting somewhere to sit around and have a discussion about what we need to take, who has what, and what goes where. Any suggestions?

I will pack my Gerber multi-tool to pick the stones out of the tyres....and my First Aid kit...I'm sure Michelle and Bvudz will break a fingernail or two! :D but seriously now, whatever you want us Barmy Brits to do as part of your support crew, massage shoulders, mop brows, make tea...Roge and I will break our b@lls (but only if strictly necessary) to get you through those mountains.

[bvudzichena]

When can we have that meeting? I called Emlyn today, but he's away until the 5th(?) of August.

Right, Ladies and Gentlemen!

The two who are in the Cape would like to be part of the meeting, but I'm not flying up to Jhb just to get sloshed at diggers. I can do that down the road :D

Why don't we set up a big skype tele conference where we can all talk and decide who takes what? It's pointless taking four gas braai's, four fridges, four stoves etc.

[K&S]

Sounds good. Have they got skype at Diggers? :cheers:

Just remember Shirley and I are part of the trip until we hear otherwise that our passports are not ready. Hopefully they will be.

[Marc Lurie]

Jorge is still in the dark ages, and he's only just got a dial up (but only so he can get dirty e-mails.):D

A skype conference is a good idea, but it will have to be text I think because I don't think it will allow more than 3 on a voice conference call.

Of course, I could take my iBurst down to diggers... ;)

I've been off all alcohol for the past few weeks (not for any specific reason, I just sort of stopped), but I feel a beer moment coming on. :D

When is a good time?

[Henk Coetzee]

I'm still keen on this trip, and still not sure whether I'm going to make it. I'll be out of the country and hopefully away from computers for the next 2 weeks.

[Marc Lurie]

Hi Henk,

It'll be good if you can make it.

Cheers,
Marc

[Roger Whittle]

I am here and taking notice guys - its just that I've been on Summer Camp. As Andy says, we'll do anything we can to contribute (any chance of doing some of the driving? :D) but we obviosuly can't bring much 'stuff' with us. :D

I've got an old 'steam' Magellan 2000 GPS and a prismatic compass, but you'll have to teach me how to read your maps - you don't have OS maps, do you? :)

Did I get that right? Bvudzi is 'naving' for Michelle in her Series?

Roger.

[Roger Whittle]

I forgot to ask earlier. I'm going up to Cumbria over next weekend and my Brother-in-Law runs an outdoor activity clothing/equipment shop and I was going to buy a new sleeping bag. Just how cold is it going to be in Lesotho? I'm thinking good sleeping bag here?

I'm also getting some new boots, although I hope I'm not going to have to do much walking! :eek: And a waterproof/warm jacket.

Roger.

[seekingserenity]

Roger, Andy - just wondering what your shirt size is? :D

[Marc Lurie]

Roger, don't worry about bringing a GPS unless it's a small pocket one.

We'll be having a meeting soon, and we'll see what equipment we have between us, and let the two of you know what you'll need.

Here's an extract about the weather:
Temperatures are highly variable, on diurnal, monthly and annual time scales, and are generally lower than those of other inland regions of similar latitude in larger landmasses of both north and southern hemispheres. This is partially due to the tapering of the African sub-continent and overall altitude of the country. Normal monthly winter minimum temperatures range from –6.3°C in the lowlands to 5.1°C in the highlands. However extremes of monthly mean winter minimum temperatures of –10.7°C can be reached, and daily winter minimum temperatures can drop as low as -21°C. Sub-zero daily minimum temperatures can be reached even in summer both in the lowlands and in the highlands.

Mean annual temperature range from 15.2°C in the lowlands to 7°C in the highlands. January records the highest mean maximum temperatures throughout the country, ranging from 20°C in high altitudes to 32°C in the lowlands. On the other hand, mean minimum temperatures of around 0°C are common in June, the coldest month, with the lowlands recording the monthly mean temperatures ranging from -3°C to -1°C in the lowlands and ranging from -8.5°C to –6°C in the highlands.

On average, the first and last days of frost occurrence in the lowlands are respectively 18th May and 6th September, while those for the mountains are 16th February and 19th November. These respectively give a frost risk of 111 days for the lowlands and 276 days for the mountains. Under extreme conditions, however, the first and last days of frost occurrence are respectively 2nd April and 4th October for the lowlands, and 1st January and 31st December for the mountains, implying a frost risk of 276 days for the former ecological region and 365 for the latter.

Monthly mean wind speed range from 1.4m/s in October to 8m/s in August and are generally westerly varying between 200° and 300°. High winds of up to 20m/s can sometimes be reached during summer thunderstorms.

Spring is usually said to start on September 1, so we'll be a month into Spring. Temps will be cool but comfortable during the day, dropping to cold at night. The biggest problem during the day is the UV exposure, so bring a good hat. I'm serious about the hat. An hour in the Johannesburg sun is enough to cause third degree burns in some fair-skinned people. It's as vicious in Lesotho at altitude.

[Marc Lurie]

Did you see the "frost risk" in the mountains? 365 days of frost a year expected :D

[Roger Whittle]

.................................................. .........

Spring is usually said to start on September 1, so we'll be a month into Spring. Temps will be cool but comfortable during the day, dropping to cold at night. The biggest problem during the day is the UV exposure, so bring a good hat. I'm serious about the hat. An hour in the Johannesburg sun is enough to cause third degree burns in some fair-skinned people. It's as vicious in Lesotho at altitude.

Ah. As you know, I am very fair skinned - I used to be blonde! I'd better find one of those Land Rover leather things and pack a factor 35 sun block. :rolleyes:

I'm still thinking good sleeping bag.

Roger.

[Marc Lurie]

Ah. As you know, I am very fair skinned - I used to be blonde! I'd better find one of those Land Rover leather things and pack a factor 35 sun block. :rolleyes:

I'm still thinking good sleeping bag.

Roger.

Roger, if you can find a non-oily sunblock that will be first prize. I hate the oil based ones because dirt and grime sticks to it. We have one here called SP20 (yeah, that's its name :) ) which is alcohol based. You put it on, wait 10 minutes, and it's perfectly dry. If I use it I can spend the whole day in the sun.

Don't forget a good pair of sunglasses too.

As far as sleeping bags go, Brigid and I will be using out Kili bags. They're rated at -2C and are proper down bags. They're great unless they get wet. We also carry a few extra blankets. Don't go mad with a sleeping bag Roger, but rather get one that you can use as a general purpose bag when you get back to the UK. We'll lend you a bunch of extra blankets if necessary. More important than what you sleep IN is what you sleep ON. We use Thermarests with HD foam underneath. This stops the cold seeping through from the ground. HD foam mats are available here quite inexpensively and a bunch of them make a good matress, but if you already have a Thermarest or similar, then bring it over.

[Roger Whittle]

Roger, if you can find a non-oily sunblock that will be first prize. I hate the oil based ones because dirt and grime sticks to it. We have one here called SP20 (yeah, that's its name :) ) which is alcohol based. You put it on, wait 10 minutes, and it's perfectly dry. If I use it I can spend the whole day in the sun.

Don't forget a good pair of sunglasses too.

As far as sleeping bags go, Brigid and I will be using out Kili bags. They're rated at -2C and are proper down bags. They're great unless they get wet. We also carry a few extra blankets. Don't go mad with a sleeping bag Roger, but rather get one that you can use as a general purpose bag when you get back to the UK. We'll lend you a bunch of extra blankets if necessary. More important than what you sleep IN is what you sleep ON. We use Thermarests with HD foam underneath. This stops the cold seeping through from the ground. HD foam mats are available here quite inexpensively and a bunch of them make a good matress, but if you already have a Thermarest or similar, then bring it over.

Read, marked and inwardly digested Marc - thanks. Actually I'd forgotten sun glasses. I never wear them here and only occasionally in Florida - mostly when driving a boat - but I guess if the UV is bad enough to warrant a hat (I never wear one of those either), then sun glasses are a must. :)

Roger.

[Andy Deaves]

Roger, Andy - just wondering what your shirt size is? :D

Ooooo! Make mine a Large (40-42") please Michelle :D

[Andy Deaves]

Did you see the "frost risk" in the mountains? 365 days of frost a year expected :D

Hi Marc and fellow dudes & dudettes...

Like Roge, I too have been away at Scout Camp...I did not lose any of the little B's and the scar tissue they have will heal up in time! :D

I have already been reading up on Lesotho and enjoyed reading about those stoopid planks that fall off mountains and I am up to speed with all the lastest news. I am sooo looking forward to it!

37 Sleeps to go! :D

[bvudzichena]

It's time to start drawing up lists:

First aid:

I have the majority of this lot ready and available.

Medical List:


Milton baby bottle steriliser
Hand Sanitiser
Triangular bandages - lots and lots.
Dressings (wound pad x3 M)
Swabs (alcohol swabs x8 M) (gauze swabs x100 small M)
Bandages (2x 7.5cmx4m M) (3x 5cmx4m M)
Plasters (x50 fabric plasters M)
Perforated tape (1x 2.5cmx9.1m M) / Microporous plaster tape (1x 1.25cmx1m M)
Jelonet (x2 M)
Butterfly stitches
Asprin
Disprin
Imodium
ibuprofin & Myprodal
Diareah pills
Phenergan pills
Antiseptic cream
Antibiotic cream
Antibacterial cream
Stingbite cream
Burn cream (proflavin / accuflavin)
Burnshield hydrogel burn dressing (x1 M)
Deep heat cream
Sunburn cream
Sunblock
Eyedrops
Hydrogen peroxide
Surgical spirits
Mercurochrome
Dettol / savlon
Scalpel and blades
Kidney bowls - steel
Forceps (steel) & tweezers
Scissors (regular) & nail (small) scissors
Nail clipper
Swiss army knife
Leatherman
3/4" Paintbrush
5ml syringe with 23g needles (for draning and then injecting surgical spirits into blisters)
50ml syringe (for washing out eyes and getting goggos out of ears)
Eye-bath containers (x2 M)
NaCl_2 (Sodiumchloride) drip x 3 with 3 "admin sets"
Steristrips
Adreneline pen - probably the most expensive thing in the box - aka Epipen
Matches, torch, headlamp, ciggie lighter(s) (shake-and-shine torch? battery-free...)
Flares - parachute & smoke - and not just one or two
Splints are good if you are going into the desert and there aren't any trees nearby
I've since added oxygen to the list.
Arnica
Glucose powder (quick energy) - 1 box
Latex gloves
Rescue blanket
Safety pins - assorted
Bandage clips
Cotton earbuds
Cottonwool pads?
Medicine dropper
CPR mouthpiece?
Hot/cold pack
Thermometer
Malaria test kit (only if entering malaria areas)
Rehydrat (or other rehydrating stuff)
Lip-Ice (for mozzie bites) and Prep (mozzie bites, itches and stings - works for sunburn relief too - and hey, you can even shave with it!)

[bvudzichena]

Who is going to volunteer to do the kitchen list?

[bvudzichena]

Moving on quickly...

SPARES & ACCESSORIES


Wheel bearings. Anything else can be bodged, fiddled or adjusted. But if the wheels can't turn, the truck can't go.
A set of radiator top hoses, or seeing your vehicle's age, you might replace them before you go (and take the old as spares).
Duck tape and cable ties.
Hose clamps of varying sizes.
Some fuel line.
Diesel engine : Spare fuel lift pump. Petrol engine : Spare electric fuel pump.
Tyre repair kit (one that includes reaming tool, plugs and applicator).
Stirrup or foot pump or on board air on at least one truck.
Extra spare wheel, tyre(s) and/or tubes (latter for emergency use only) - if you drive carefully, and religiously change tyre pressure according to terrain chances are slim that you'll need any of those, but heaven forbid if you do and you don't have.
Tyre pressure guage.
Make sure there's at least one bottle jack, jacking plate and axle stand in the group, makes changing tyres so much easier.
Petrol engine - spark plugs. Diesel engine - glow plugs.
Spare fuses and relays. The law of 2 applies. If you have 2 x 20A fuses in the vehicle, then take 4.
Spare lightbulbs (headlamp, spotlamp, indicator and running lights).
Some twinflex and heavy-duty electrical wire.
Insulation tape and self vulcanising tape.
Steel rope.
Ski rope (that's the plastic stuff).
Shadenet.
Plank 50cm x 50cm x 2cm thick.
Something to lie on. Like a dog blanket or an old piece of carpet.
Square of medium-weight white plastic (put removed parts, bolts, washers etc on for easy retrieval while working)
Old T shirts and similar things to wipe things with.
Mutton cloth.
HAND CLEANER and barrier cream (to apply before you start fiddling).
Gaskets: Water pump, rocker cover, engine sump, gearbox sump, transfer box sump.
Spare engling, gearbox and transfer box sump plugs and washers.
A couple of meters of thin / light chain.
Various male and female connectors/terminals and something to crimp them with (good for emergency repairs).
Car fluids (brake fluid, power steering (some people use ATF), engine oil, enough coolant to refill the cooling system, ATF, EP90).
Good quality lithium grease in a grease gun that works.
3 in 1 oil, WD40, Q20, Q10, Quickstart.
Clear and black silicone in small tubes (Bostic car and Bostic Home).
Thinners.
Fuel filters.
Air filter (not really necessary if you're driving with a fairly new one and you clean it blowing inside out at each fuel stop). If you have a K&N then all that's needed is an air filter service kit as the air filter lasts a lifetime.
Bind draad (binding wire) and a decent pair of pliers to cut and work with the stuff in the toolbox.
Having said that, if you have some servicable used components like a water pump and an alternator and room for them, consider taking them if that'll make you feel better.
Have your vehicle serviced beforehand; at least do greasing service and replace engine oil and filter.

[bvudzichena]

TOOLS


Spanners - Flat & Ring as needed for your truck.
Sockets as above.
Ratchet, Extension,T bar, Power bar.
Screwdrivers.
Pliers - Medium & large normal, Small & large long nose, Plumbers pliers, Side cutters.
Vise grip.
Stanley knife with spare blades.
If you have a mounting for one on the truck, then take a vise.
Allen keys.
Hammers.
Cold steel chisel.
Hacksaw with spare blades.
Mini blowtorch, solder & cigarette lighter(s). Smokers need not know of the existance of said lighter(s)...
Threaded rod - 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and 12mm
Nuts and flat washers in above size - lots of.
10m of 4mm Galvanised steelrope - solder the tips.
It's also a good idea to have a scratch box with bolts, nuts, washers, self tapping screws and general "maak 'n plan" stuff in.
12V second hand cordless drill without batteries. Then gemotify to look like this by soldering a length of wire with a ciggie lighter plug on the end:

[bvudzichena]

I recently contracted another a dose of "Welder Fever". Kev can vouch as to what happens when that occurs...

Anyway, while I was running around welding anything in sight, I reinforced Olivia's front bumper and built in a vise mount, so we'll be travelling with a vise - if needed.

[Marc Lurie]

I see you don't have a box of matches...

Now before you say "Ah, but I do have a cigarette lighter"... have you ever tried to use a cigarette lighter as a toothpick? :D

Bvud, it looks like the medical kit is all your domain. ;) We carry a small one too with the usual plasters and lotions and stuff.. and Panado for the babelaas:D

Kev and Shirley will probably have more experience than me on this one, and that's what we'll discuss on Friday. I don't know if it's better to pool cash together and one person gets all the provisions, or if each vehicle makes it's own plans. However, we'll discuss that on Friday. I've got maps and photos taken on our trip a few years back which I'll bring along.

Firewood is scarce (non-existant really) in Lesotho, so if anyone knows of a source of GOOD firewood (not the crappy pine and gumtree that one can get anywhere, but decent hardwood or preferably combretum/lead wood. I can get wattle which isn't bad) please let me know, and we can get a whole bunch for the trip. I'm going to Pilanesberg just before Lesotho, and I might be able to get some combretum there.

Cheers,
Marc

[bvudzichena]

I vote we all pool together as far as food goes and have one of the Gautengers do a Pick n Pay run.

Michelle's squeeling loudly that we must please remember to cater for a vegetarian.

Are there any other special dietary requirements? I don't like mutton (or goat for that matter). We're not on survival rations, so let's avoid eating rats and snakes.

[K&S]

Anyway, while I was running around welding anything in sight, I reinforced Olivia's front bumper and built in a vise mount, so we'll be travelling with a vise - if needed.

I hope you put it on the correct way round so that it's not vise - a- versa.

[bvudzichena]

I hope you put it on the correct way round so that it's not vise - a- versa.

Not suitable for use by left handers.

:D :D :D

[Grant L]

I hope you put it on the correct way round so that it's not vise - a- versa.

We should all keep that in mind. It's good ad-vise.

[Roger Whittle]

I vote we all pool together as far as food goes and have one of the Gautengers do a Pick n Pay run.

Michelle's squeeling loudly that we must please remember to cater for a vegetarian.

Are there any other special dietary requirements? I don't like mutton (or goat for that matter). We're not on survival rations, so let's avoid eating rats and snakes.

Don't forget that catering for a veggie isn't simply vegetarian food. It means things like having enough cooking utensils. Seperate frying pans, and pots and the tools for stirring/slicing/turning and so on. I don't want to 'teach your grandma .....' and all that, but its easy to forget if you don't do it regularly.

No special dietary requirements for me, but I'd echo Bvudzi's sentiments about goat, rat and snake. :eek:

Roger.

[bvudzichena]

Don't forget that catering for a veggie isn't simply vegetarian food. It means things like having enough cooking utensils. Seperate frying pans, and pots and the tools for stirring/slicing/turning and so on. I don't want to 'teach your grandma .....' and all that, but its easy to forget if you don't do it regularly.

No special dietary requirements for me, but I'd echo Bvudzi's sentiments about goat, rat and snake. :eek:

Roger.

Maybe it's time Michelle became an omnivore like the rest of us :D :D :D

I have yet to hear of anyone who's died from eating boerewors.

[seekingserenity]

Don't forget that catering for a veggie isn't simply vegetarian food. It means things like having enough cooking utensils. Seperate frying pans, and pots and the tools for stirring/slicing/turning and so on. I don't want to 'teach your grandma .....' and all that, but its easy to forget if you don't do it regularly.

Roger, I'm not too fussy about stuff like that, nor beyond chowing the occasional chicken leg on a braai - but Bvudzi has yet to convince me to swallow red meat or anything prawny. Who knows, by the end of this trip I may have conquered the boerewors! :D (Allow that to be a challenge to the carnivores)

[Marc Lurie]

but I'd echo Bvudzi's sentiments about goat, rat and snake. :eek:

That's because you've not yet tried it. :p Goat is excellent meat, and makes great stews. Snake is very tasty. I haven't tried rodents yet, but not for lack of trying. I just haven't found anyone who makes them look appetising. :D

Michelle, do you eat ostrich? It is absolutely fantastic meat. In a bolognese sauce it is indistinguishable from beef, but with virtually no fat, and no cholestrol. We use a lot of ostrich at home as we hardly eat any red meat.

Also Michelle, how about fish? Trout is good on a braai :)

Bvud, you say no to mutton. How about lamb knuckle potjie?

Who has fridges, and what size/type?

[seekingserenity]

Michelle, do you eat ostrich? It is absolutely fantastic meat. In a bolognese sauce it is indistinguishable from beef, but with virtually no fat, and no cholestrol. We use a lot of ostrich at home as we hardly eat any red meat.

Also Michelle, how about fish? Trout is good on a braai :)

Marc - haven't tried ostrich yet - couldn't fit a drumstick on the braai! :D I'll eat trout, but only if you can catch one...;)

[bvudzichena]

That's because you've not yet tried it. :p Goat is excellent meat, and makes great stews. Snake is very tasty. I haven't tried rodents yet, but not for lack of trying. I just haven't found anyone who makes them look appetising. :D

Each time I went to dinner in India, I had a choice of "chicken" or "mutton". "Chicken" being all all encompasing term for anything that looks vaguely like a chicken and goes cluck or quack and has included guinnea fowl, pheasant and peacock. "Mutton" on the other hand normally means goat. Indian curry powder gives taste to just about anything and I'm sure that with enough time in a marinade or tenderising sauce "mutton" will taste great, but what nutritional value has it got after being b@sterdised with flavouring?

I've since made friends with some members of the local Parsi community, so now know where to source beef, glorious beef. There are two great steakhouses and a good beef butchery in Pune (that's a city for 4.5M people).

Some snakes make for better eating than others. The carnivores (python, puff adder, mamba etc) don't taste great, but the egg eaters taste really nice - that's what half the population of China live on.

The best way to prepare rat is to skin it, spread it and roast it on a wooden spit. (Ray Mears style.) It's good eating if you are hungry enough.

Bvud, you say no to mutton. How about lamb knuckle potjie?

NO NO NO. I do not like any meat that comes from a sheep and will tell you why when we are around the campfire.

Who has fridges, and what size/type?

My fridge and cooler boxes went up in smoke last Monday night.

[Marc Lurie]

NO NO NO. I do not like any meat that comes from a sheep and will tell you why when we are around the campfire.

I guess that it's will have to be ostrich neck potjie then.

[Andy Deaves]

Ah. As you know, I am very fair skinned - I used to be blonde! I'd better find one of those Land Rover leather things and pack a factor 35 sun block. :rolleyes:

I'm still thinking good sleeping bag.

Roger.

Rog, you're not sugesting a leather thong are you? :D

[Marc Lurie]

The trouble with the Land Rover leather thongs is that they leak. :eek:

[Andy Deaves]

Marc - haven't tried ostrich yet - couldn't fit a drumstick on the braai! :D I'll eat trout, but only if you can catch one...;)

Aaah...that will be my department then! I'll bring some hooks & line! Can someone get a tin of sweetcorn please!

[Marc Lurie]

Aaah...that will be my department then! I'll bring some hooks & line! Can someone get a tin of sweetcorn please!

We should get a chance to do some fishing at Katse Dam. I have heard that there are enormous trout in the dam.

I have only ever caught small wild trout in Lesotho. They're weary little critters, and they never grow very big because they live in shallow, tiny streams in the mountains. The promise of really big trout gives me gooseflesh, so I will certainly be taking my rods and tackle box.

Andy, I must say that I've never used sweetcorn for trout. It's frowned upon in South Africa (and illegal on many waters) to use anything but fly fishing equipment. Lesotho is a different matter though, and I really want to try some new lures on a spinning rod.

I once got permission from the landowner to use a hookless lure on a spinning rod in his trout water, and I was amazed at how easy it was to attract hit after hit after hit in water where you could fly fish for hours without bites.

[bvudzichena]

I once got permission from the landowner to use a hookless lure on a spinning rod in his trout water, and I was amazed at how easy it was to attract hit after hit after hit in water where you could fly fish for hours without bites.

I did this once in Mare Dam in Nyanga, Zimbabwe and was amazed at the number of strikes I got using a simple 2" gold floating Rapala :D :D :D

Sh...

[K&S]

Michelle's squeeling loudly that we must please remember to cater for a vegetarian.

I don't like mutton (or goat for that matter).

Are you okes fussy or what!!!!!!!!!! Michelle I don't know how you can eat a carrot and tomatoe whilst that aroma of sizzling meat wafts over from the braai and fills the nostrils with the smellof good high protein MEAT.:)

Bvudzi we only use South African lamb not Australian so it's quite safe.

[K&S]

Marc are we on for about 5pm at Diggers tomorrow?

[Marc Lurie]

Hi K&S,

Yup, I'll be there. I told Emlyn about it, but if you'd remind him, I'd appreciate it.

I will bring my iBurst modem and laptop so we can chat with Bvud and Michelle (Roger and Andy are obviously welcome too). If Henk Coetzee is reading this, he can contact me on 082 497-4581 and I'll fill him in on details. It'll be nice to meet him too.

I'm also bringing some old maps, and photos from our trip a few years back.

CU there :)

[Roger Whittle]

........................................ and I really want to try some new lures on a spinning rod.

I once got permission from the landowner to use a hookless lure on a spinning rod in his trout water, ..................................................

..................................... was amazed at the number of strikes I got using a simple 2" gold floating Rapala :D :D :D

Sh...

Why are they talking another foriegn language ......... ??:rolleyes:

Roger.

[bvudzichena]

Why are they talking another foriegn language ......... ??:rolleyes:

Roger.

Oh Dear!

Roger, it's moved on from the "ball of mom's knitting yarn and the safety pin" method described in the Scouts manuals :D

Marc, it looks like we're going to have to edumeracate those Engelse as to the art of catching one's own food.

[Marc Lurie]

As Bvudzi has said : "Oh dear" :D

Roger, I'll translate for your benefit:

Heap big chief Marc him say he want catch heap big fish. But sheriff, him Bad Guy, and he no want chief Marc to catch fish the easy way. "Easy way is no-culture way" say sheriff. Him tell chief Marc "you must catchum fish with crap pole and bait that cannot possibly catchum fish. So chief Marc begs heap big chief of river if he can use-um good pole and bait that does work. Heap big chief of river say chief Marc can use good pole and bait that does work, but he no can use hook! Chief Marc am heap big confused! :eek:

Chief Bvudzi, him say "Sod the sheriff" and him use good pole and secret magic bait (and hook). He catchum heap big fish and then him scarper before sheriff find out.






I should work for the UN :D

[bvudzichena]

:shhhh: And now we all know why Chief Bvudzi is well fed :D :D :D

[seekingserenity]

I will bring my iBurst modem and laptop so we can chat with Bvud and Michelle (Roger and Andy are obviously welcome too). If Henk Coetzee is reading this, he can contact me on 082 497-4581 and I'll fill him in on details. It'll be nice to meet him too.

Skype's been giving major hassles worldwide over the past 24 hours. Mine's still struggling to connect and the Skype blokes have said 12-24 hours to fix the problem. Hope we can make this work tonight... if not we may need a backup plan (landline to cellphone?).

[Marc Lurie]

Skype's been giving major hassles worldwide over the past 24 hours.

Typical!!! Just when we actually NEED Skype, it all collapses. :D We'll give it a fling this evening, but if Skype doesn't work we can probably use something else.

There must be a simple keyboard-to-keyboard application lurking on the web somewhere. I'll try to sniff one out.

[seekingserenity]

GoogleTalk (http://desktop.google.com/plugins/i/gtalkconference.html?hl=en) might be a text-based option. But holding thumbs Skype sorts itself out.

[bvudzichena]

GoogleTalk (http://desktop.google.com/plugins/i/gtalkconference.html?hl=en) might be a text-based option. But holding thumbs Skype sorts itself out.

I'm sending you an invite to join gmail. The rest will follow once you are a member of the party.

[Marc Lurie]

I'm sending you an invite to join gmail. The rest will follow once you are a member of the party.

Does gmail have a chat facility?

I have been suspicious of Gmail because I am a complete nutter about personal privacy. (I'm currently almost into legal action against a bank and an insurance company (the Financial Services Board is supporting me on this) for unsolicited correspondence.

I have been led to believe that using Gmail greatly increases the amount of targetted junkmail you will receive. We all get the viagra/rolex/make money fast spam, but that's easy to block. It's the frikkin newsletters, special offers etc that come from YOUR own bank/petshop/pharmacy/strip club/travel agent etc. You can't block them because then your bank statements and other necessary documents get junked too.

[bvudzichena]

Does gmail have a chat facility?

Yes, and image hosting and a whole lot of other interesting things.

I have been suspicious of Gmail because I am a complete nutter about personal privacy. (I'm currently almost into legal action against a bank and an insurance company (the Financial Services Board is supporting me on this) for unsolicited correspondence.

I remember the fun we had earlier in the year when those other idiots were sending you unsolicited emails :D :D :D

I have been led to believe that using Gmail greatly increases the amount of targetted junkmail you will receive. We all get the viagra/rolex/make money fast spam, but that's easy to block. It's the frikkin newsletters, special offers etc that come from YOUR own bank/petshop/pharmacy/strip club/travel agent etc. You can't block them because then your bank statements and other necessary documents get junked too.

I get maybe 30 to 40 messages a week on my bvudzi address. My other address gets several hundred a day. For example, I deleted 271 from the spam folder this morning.

Use an interesting name like kortgatbosvarkjagter and you won't have problems with spam :D

[seekingserenity]

Marc, Gmail has a chat facility called Google Talk (http://www.google.com/talk/), and it allows multiple chatters to be invited to the conversation.

HOWEVER it seems Skype is working once more. At least here it is... hope it doesn't collapse again.

[seekingserenity]

If all else fails, I've located the Telkom conference call number that allows multiple users to talk on a single "chat" line...

[Marc Lurie]

Let's see what happens. I dunno if GoogleTalk will work on the Mac.

If Skype is a no-go, I'll call Bvudz on his mobile, and we can go from there. It should be around 530pm'ish.

[Marc Lurie]

Skype is no go. I have signed up with G-mail as username grondboontjiebotter99 :)

How does the chat thing work?

[mmgemini]

Pleased somebody is as good as me with these new fangled ideas:confused: :D
Margaret

[Andy Deaves]

We should get a chance to do some fishing at Katse Dam. I have heard that there are enormous trout in the dam.
.

Unfortunately, I have not done any serious fishing for a few decades, Ehem! :rolleyes: I was just honing my survival skills with some basic fishing kit whilst on an overnight bivi in the Ardesch Gorge, South of France. I could have bagged myself a wild boar or 2 as the little B@stards raided our camp...he made off with 4 Mars bars, 4 apples and sunk his teeth into hte case for my sunglasses! Actually, wild boar is very good eating! :D

[bvudzichena]

Actually, wild boar is very good eating! :D

Indeed!

The Argentinian cowboys have refined the art of eating wild boar. The first time they pass through an area, they catch the boars, remove their oysters and bbq those, leaving the boars to fatten nicely. On their return they then catch and eat the fattened - and much tastier - boars :D

Like you, I'm not a fan of prairie oysters, so I'd suggest adding them to the negative list.

[Marc Lurie]

Like you, I'm not a fan of prairie oysters, so I'd suggest adding them to the negative list.

What??? And not eat the best bits of an animal???

I've eaten sheep testicles and they're delicious.

Bvudzi, do you think we should introduce Andy and Roger to Walky Talkies, and Smileys?

I need to have a quick chat about the various stuff we discussed last night because typing it up will be a mission. When's good on Monday?



For their benefit, Walkie Talkies are roasted chicken feet (Walkie) and beaks (Talky) sold on the roadside. A Smiley is a whole sheep head roasted on a fire with eyeballs, the lot. It's called a smiley because the skin pulls back on the lips, and exposes the grinning teeth of the sheep.

[bvudzichena]

I need to have a quick chat about the various stuff we discussed last night because typing it up will be a mission. When's good on Monday?



Monday is bad, but how about Tuesday basically any time?

[Roger Whittle]

What??? And not eat the best bits of an animal???

I've eaten sheep testicles and they're delicious.

Bvudzi, do you think we should introduce Andy and Roger to Walky Talkies, and Smileys?

I need to have a quick chat about the various stuff we discussed last night because typing it up will be a mission. When's good on Monday?



For their benefit, Walkie Talkies are roasted chicken feet (Walkie) and beaks (Talky) sold on the roadside. A Smiley is a whole sheep head roasted on a fire with eyeballs, the lot. It's called a smiley because the skin pulls back on the lips, and exposes the grinning teeth of the sheep.


:eek: I resign!! Have I said that today? I RESIGN. :D

Roger.

[Henk Coetzee]

I got back yesterday. I'll catch up during the week. If we are setting up a google group or planning to use google chat, my gmail address is coetzee.henk AT gmail DOT com (I'm also spam averse). My Skype ID should show up in my profile.

Failing all this technology, a beer somewhere in Gauteng would also do the trick.

I've attached a picture which is totally irrelevant to Lesotho, but it explains why I have been out of touch for the past two weeks.

[K&S]

I've attached a picture which is totally irrelevant to Lesotho, but it explains why I have been out of touch for the past two weeks.

Excellent photo.

[K&S]

Best to do the meeting on Skype or some other and not at a pub :cheers: because did I have a headache when I woke up :eek:. Marc yours must surely have been worse because Steven & Chantal tell me you guys only left the following morning!

[seekingserenity]

... and in the meantime Bvudzi and I had to amuse ourselves while you guys ate, drank and planned! :D

[K&S]

... and in the meantime Bvudzi and I had to amuse ourselves ... :D

We won't go down that road but the eating drinking and planning was bloomin' hard work I must add.

[Marc Lurie]

:p Best to do the meeting on Skype or some other and not at a pub :cheers: because did I have a headache when I woke up :eek:. Marc yours must surely have been worse because Steven & Chantal tell me you guys only left the following morning!


I got home at 3am after I helped Jorge cash up and lock the pub.:D I was NOT popular with Brigid who had been sending me SMS's and trying to call me, but my new phone didn't ring.

My head was fine the next day, but Jorge admits to having had a tough time on Saturday.

[Marc Lurie]

Kevin, Brigid and I took our tents out of the garage yesterday and had a good look at them. All three are complete and useable, so I have tents for Andy and Roger.

Henk, how did you get your vehicle to the moon? :D Nice photo. Are you in for the Lesotho trip?

Everyone, I have been chatting with Glen from Malealea Lodge and he's made a few very good suggestions which I think make very good sense. After discussing with K&S this sort of plan surfaced:
1) We meet up at Malealea (about an hour from Maseru) which is in a beautiful area of the coutry. Brigid really wants to do a short pony trip, so we'll get to the lodge early and book some ponies. The ponies are very slow and sure footed, and are an ideal way to get some stunning vistas, good fresh mountain air for a few hours. No riding experience is necessary.

We'll camp at the lodge that night, and we can talk with Di and Mick around the campfire about which routes to take, and get up-to-date info about conditions. We'll also pick up a Basotho guide who'll be able to show us places we ordinarily wouldn't find, and he'll be able to introduce us to local chiefs when we negotiate campsites. The guide will cost around R100 a day plus food, and he will be very useful to have along. (Safer too)

2) The next day we head off towards to wherever we decide, based on Mick and Di's advice.

3) We'll make our way through the eastern side of Lesotho, and then to Sani Pass. We HAVE to have a beer or two in the highest pub in Africa, and then we go down the pass, and then split up and head off back home.

Regarding stone throwing, Glen sent me this e-mail: "In response to the situation about stone throwing below, there have been isolated incidents in the northern parts, and especially in the area around thaba tseka and Katse Dam – my opinion is that it is a two way problem caused by inconsiderate 4x4 and motorbike travelers, driving through mealie fields, throwing packets of sweets out of the windows etc, – we ,and other locals, have been traveling by bikes and 4x4’s for the last 20 – 30 years in Lesotho and due to our friendly and courteous approach we have never had these problems ourselves." We won't have time to do Katse Dam, and Thaba Tseka is a cr@phole, so no need to go there. :D

Brigid has taken Friday off work, so we plan to leave on Thursday afternoon and find a place to overnight before the border, to be at Malealea early on Friday 21st. We can meet people just short of the border at Ladybrand for breakfast on Friday morning (which is probably preferable), or at Malealea if you prefer to get there a bit later. Michelle and Bvudzi, is Maseru OK for the two of you? It's the easiest for the Gautengalengs.

I will need to advise Malealea how many people are coming so that I can do some booking of campsites, ponies etc. Please let me know as soon as possible. How many people, how many vehicles, and how many would like to go fo a pony trail on Friday (probably late morning, only a few hours.)

Bvudzi, I'll call you Tuesday to discuss some stuff.

[bvudzichena]

Bvudzi, I'll call you Tuesday to discuss some stuff.

I'll be waiting for your call Tuesday Marc.

[K&S]

Pony ride sounds cool but Shirley and I will give it a miss. We will probably go on a long walk instead. Everything else sounds great. Can't wait. On Wednesday we are going to check on passports and if they are not ready we will apply for temporary ones.

[Marc Lurie]

Pony ride sounds cool but Shirley and I will give it a miss. We will probably go on a long walk instead.

Cool bananas! I just hope it rains before we get there so that the countryside is a bit greener.

[Andy Deaves]

... and in the meantime Bvudzi and I had to amuse ourselves while you guys ate, drank and planned! :D

....and I bet is wasn't playing monopoly or scrabble either! :D :D You guys are despicable...but I like you! :D

[Henk Coetzee]

Henk, how did you get your vehicle to the moon? :D Nice photo. Are you in for the Lesotho trip?


Looking at the photo again, it was actually on Mars :D .

I am provisionally in for the trip, potentially as 4 people in 2 Discos. I will