For Hope and Healing
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16).
Update
Taubenreuther is doing an excellent job keeping to schedule and insuring that I am informed of progress on the truck build. In addition to completing the front bumper, dual battery system, fridge, and drawers last week, they have installed the new Warn XDC 9500 lb. winch, and the Safari Snorkel. I was also advised that the rear bumper has just come from being powder coated.
Safari Snorkel – to keep the air intake above water when fording rivers.
The Warn XDC 9500lb. Winch
Six of the lights from Expedition Lighting Systems arrived today and four more will arrive with the roof rack. There will be one 42″ spot light attached to the front of the roof rack, two 3″ x 1″ lights will attach to the front corners and face outward at 45 degrees. There will be an 12.5″ flood on the front of the driver’s side, one 22″ spotlight on the center of the driver’s side, and one 12.5″ flood on the rear of the driver’s side. There will be one 12.5″ flood in the rear and the passenger’s side will mirror the driver’s side. I told Expedition Lighting they should have a commercial of an astronaut looking down from space and seeing a bright light. From his point of view the camera swoops down to earth to reveal the light source as, drum roll……… my truck. Expedition Lighting Systems has come through on all of their promises and in a timely manner.
Oxford to Cape Town overland
Oxford to Cape Town in a Land Cruiser
Why? It’s for charity. Chris Brennan, a former Marine and disabled veteran, and Celine Makolla, a biologist with a heart for children, are embarking on an overland journey across Europe and Africa to draw attention to charities that have made a personal difference in their lives. They are representing K9’s for Warriors, Eagle Fund, Lawrence’s Roundabout Well Appeal, and Help for Heroes. After visiting South Africa and going on safari to escape his struggles with PTSD, Chris found a measure of healing and decided that, in addition to supporting these charity organizations, raising money to send another service member on an African Safari would be an excellent opportunity for them to find emotional recovery. Chris has partnered with Massimo Rebuzzi of African Eco Journeys who will be the safari’s guide.
The pair’s trip, sponsored by Taubenreuther GmbH, Expedition Lighting Systems (ELS), LabRak, and African Eco Journeys has already begun. Nick Callum of ELS had this to say, “We stand behind [Chris and Celine] and I’d like to support [them] to the fullest. Our company will go above and beyond in our support. I can’t express how thrilled I am to be a part of [their] journey, life experience, and recovery. I want to make a difference with [them]; changing people, their lives and influencing them in a positive way. I want the muffled voices heard, the minds opened, and the life achievements made. I will do everything in my power to help, and I look forward to spending time with Celine and Chris. It is truly an honor.”
The truck, a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser, has been purchased and driven from Oxford, UK to Ergste, Germany. The rest of the preparations are being completed at Taubenreuther’s facilities in Kulmbach, Germany, and will be followed by equipment testing in Morocco. After these tasks are completed, Chris and Celine will begin the rest of the expedition taking them across Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, and into South Africa.
To follow their adventure, and to find out more about the charities they represent, visit www.safari-expeditions.com
Off Road Training
The Truck
Recovery
Recovery equipment is vital when traveling off improved surfaces. The further you go and the less improve the surface is the higher chance there is of getting stuck due to all of the variables that may be involved. Even a dirt path can become trouble if a heavy rain pours and your miles down the track.
Having the equipment isn’t enough either, you must now how to use it, practiced with it, and have good, solid, reliable attachments points on your vehicle as well as a point to recover to (tree, manufactured anchor, spare wheel, other vehicle). The following pictures were provided to me by Andre Nel whom I met (virtually) on the Land Cruiser Club Southern Africa. Andre either owns or manages C-Group in South Africa which provides end users with custom lifting equipment and 4×4 accessories. He also sent the flow chart that can be found just below the pictures. The chart is meant to assist the reader in figuring and understanding the amount of stress added to a recovery when you take the vehicle’s weight and add drag and gradient resistance. This provides a more complete picture when you are considering winch size and the need for snatch blocks. I am finding the chart quite helpful and user friendly.
I’ll add to the recovery page as we finalize our pack out.
Chatfind
Flag Counter
Syrepu
For Hope and Healing 