Log below......

Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Many of you kindly donated to Motivation in May 2010 when I cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats, raising £4500. My next adventure involves driving from home near Bristol to South Africa - this has been a personal ambition for more than forty years! On this occasion, I have been resisting the idea of seeking sponsorship, partly because it's not long since the last time, and partly because I felt slightly uncomfortable about it when I am simply 'going for a long drive'! However, I have been badgered into it by certain folk who say it is quite a challenge which will require determination and dealing with discomfort for more than three months! So here is your opportunity! I continue to feel that Motivation is a very good cause and am looking forward to visiting one of their workshops as we travel south through Tanzania. If you want to read more about the charity please go to www.motivation.org.uk  

However, if you just want to read the occasional updates that will appear below, that's just fine with me!

As I write, the planning and preparation phases are complete and Stanley the 300TDi is ready to turn a wheel. I am setting off with my co-driver Jane on 5th Jan. It has been hard saying goodbye to family and friends, but I hope to feel better about this self-inflicted absence once we get going!

We have agreed to: Come home safe, stay friends and have fun driving to South Africa, in that order!

Best wishes to you all

Keith and Jane

 

Now most recent at the top as it was getting a long way to keep scrolling down!

Saturday 2nd April - probably the final entry on this log

Firstly a very big thank you to the generous folk who have donated to Motivation as a result of 'Stanley's Long Drive'. I have now seen at first hand the amazing work being done by the Charity in Tanzania - just one of many places world wide. 

Carrie has done a very good job of capturing the essence of our trip in this log, working with little more than my occasional text messages! We have now added a few photos.

There were certainly times when this trip seemed much harder than last year's cycle ride! The challenge of driving in big cities like Istanbul and Cairo, bureaucracy, border crossings, occasional fuel shortages etc. The long hours on dusty, corrugated dirt roads, sometimes too far into the night. The heavy rain in Nairobi and later in Malawi. But we have seen incredible scenery, met fascinating people and watched fantastic wildlife. Africa is a vast continent, so one drive north to south only scratches the surface. However, I have come home with a slightly better understanding of its many contrasts, its problems and its huge potential. Only once did we feel just a little concerned for our safety but it soon turned out our concerns were totally groundless! Apart from a few border officials, we met people who were almost always friendly and helpful. 

Stanley has now been sold back to Foley Specialist Vehicles Ltd. I have been most impressed by the vehicle and the way it was prepared. Only one minor equipment failure - the alternator. No punctures despite many miles on awful roads.

Our original objectives have been met, although perhaps not quite as originally intended! Jane was able to travel part of the way with a great Norwegian guy and I had an unexpected two week holiday with Carrie in South Africa, during which time we had many enjoyable days with my uncle and aunt - quite fitting really because he planted the idea in my head when I was just 18!

Stanley did 12,755 miles in three months across 17 countries.

Thank you for your interest - it is good to be home - job done!    

Friday, 26th March

Apologies for the long interval but there have been some changes to the plans.  Keith and Jane went their separate ways - Jane continued with Rob in a Namibia/Capetown direction while Keith headed for his uncle's at Nelspruit to rendezvous with wife Carrie who had made a spontaneous decision to join him.  Plan A was to meet up in Livingstone to enjoy the spectacle of the Falls, but Carrie's passport validity was too limited for Zambia, so plan B had to be implemented! Lots of catching up with Derek and Susi then a few days in Swaziland before all going to the Waterberg area (n of Pretoria, near Bela-Bela or Warmbaths).  We stayed on a lovely game farm where we were made very welcome by friends of Derek and Susi. Carrie now home and Keith is heading back to Livingstone to regretfully part with Stanley the LandRover. Nearly the end of the adventure as he flies home on 31st and, once the dust has settled, may add  to this!  Hope to add more photos when I have downloaded and sorted some.

Thursday 3rd March

On to Zambia, with stop at Senga Bay.  Jane and Norwegian Robert taking the long route via Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Another long day on Monday,  reached Livingstone on Tuesday.  The Falls have lived up to expectations, and Stanley has had new gear box mountings and I think a new universal joint.  Taking a break for a few days here.

Saturday 26th Feb

After a couple of nights at Mambo, it was back to bush camping on the way to Dar es Salam, just south of which they found a nice overlanders camp on the beach.  Very hot and sticky, so after chores, it was time for a swim.  Sadly, diving and game parks were deemed too expensive so it was back on the road. Thursday morning brought great news from Pip and Robin of the arrival of Lucas Digby Riches, a brother for Oliver. The occasion was suitably celebrated that evening!  Friday was a long day and Keith was moved to reflect that although he wasn't pedalling, this trip was proving more gruelling than LeJog. Finally crossed into Malawi in the afternoon and on to a campsite near Lake Malawi. Wind, rain and an amazing electric storm all night. Short drive today down the side of the lake to Nkharta Bay. Camping at Njaya Camp. A bit worried that all fuel stations out of diesel today - fingers crossed for tomorow as they continue south.

Sat 19th Feb

mamboviewpoint.org worth a look, located near Lushoto, off the road from Moshi to Dar es Salaam.  Lots of photos and scenic panoramas.

Friday, 18th Feb

Bit of an enforced break  this week.  It took several visits to the British High Commision, braving the Nairobi traffic, for Jane to secure an emergency travel document,  but yesterday they were back on the road. Once at Moshi they made contact with a Motivation representative and today, had an interesting tour of the workshops and training facilities that Motivation shares with an NGO called Comprehensive Community based Rehabilitation.  Apparently, wheelchairs come in all sizes!  Enjoying views of a snowy Kilimanjaro from their campsite at Honey Badger Lodge . Tomorrow they are setting off in a south easterly direction to an as yet unspecified destination.

Sunday 13th Feb

Good journey from Isiola with great views of Mt Kenya. Bad traffic in Nairobi.  Now at 'Jungle junction' where it is very hot.  Keith has serviced Stan.  Hoping that Jane can sort her passport tomorrow so they can continue on their journey on Tuesday.

Thursday, 10th Feb

Safe in Isiola after more awful road.  In up-market hotel at £20 for B & B, plus en suite and running water - luxury! Big day tomorrow as they cross the equator on the way to Nairobi.  Hoping to find  Indaba Camp where they can camp and Keith can service Stanley.  Also, Jane has run out of pages in her passport so has to get a new one. They may even have to stay in one place for a couple of  days to do all this!

Wednesday, 9th Feb

Into Kenya yesterday.  As warned earlier, roads have been truly diabolical. Camped last night, but tonight they are in Marsabit in a cheap hotel where guests are politely informed that prostitution is not allowed!  On to Isiola tomorrow.  It is all quite hard but really seeing places - and it is hot.

Sunday 6th Feb

Tuesday was a difficult day.  Customs at Gallabat did want the letter to 'vouch' for vehicle.  Also had first mechanical problem with a u/s alternator. Somehow both issues resolved - apparently the border crossing was quite a story - no details yet.  Had a couple of days r & r at Lake Tana then back on the road on Thursday for 2 long days driving with a brief stop in Lalibela. (One of Ethiopia's holiest cities,  intended as the New Jerusalem following the capture of Jerusalem by the Muslims.  Famous for churches hewn into the rock) Mountain scenery is huge and awesome  but no snow. Arrived in Addis (at 2400m!)  on Saturday and headed for Wim's Holland House, an overlanders' campsite in the centre of Addis offering a complete package of facilities, from tea and meals to vehicle overhaul.  Looking forward to a quiet day with maybe a little sightseeing.

Sunday, 30th Jan

Now clocked over 5000 miles!

After a couple of nights camping in the desert with fellow travellers  - 3 Norwegians and LRover,2 Dutch and Toyota L Cruiser, 2 Austrians with F Transit and 2 Italian bikers - they reached  Khartoum and the Blue Nile Sailing Club. They're alongside  Kitchener's old ship and struggling with history!  Sudan seems comparitively peaceful and the people polite and curious. An email on Friday suggested they might  visit the pyramids at Meroe, but hope to be across the Ethiopian border by Wednesday. Differing stories about the need for a letter from the British embassy in Addis Ababa .......fingers crossed 'cos they don't have one!

Tuesday, 25th Jan

In view of the current situation it is good to know they are well away from Cairo. They reached Aswan on Friday where they stayed until the ferry left on Monday afternoon.  Lots of paperwork to do with traffic police etc and general briefing. Stan was loaded onto a barge to arrive on Wednesday while Keith and Jane boarded the ferry - very crowded with no space to lie down and baking hot.  Met up with some cyclists doing Cairo to Capetown who have been good company. Arrived in Wadi Haifa today. I get the impression that Hotel Kilopatra is not one they would recommend! Hoping that Stan arrives tomorrow.

Thursday, 20th Jan

Not surprisingly, no sleep on the overnight ferry, then 5 hours to sort out all the paperwork to enter Egypt.  Another long drive and bad traffic made for a late arrival in Cairo. Supper of lager and crisps, swiftly followed by bed! Next day old Cairo and the Museum while the Sudan Embassy processed the visas.  Today, hoping to collect visas  and set off for the pyramids, but phone call to ferry man in Aswan has changed plan. Disappointingly for Jane, no time for pyramids as they have to be in Aswan by 21st.  Got as far as Luxor at 11.30pm and made camp.  V. tired!

Tuesday 18th Jan

No campsites to be found by the Dead Sea on Saturday, so it was good old Holiday Inns to the rescue . Early swim followed by sumptious breakfast, then on to Petra.  Sunday's text said 'Supper with locals in smokey tent and live music'!  Sightseeing  in the morning before getting to Aqaba to catch the night ferry across the Gulf of Aqaba to Nuweiba (thus avoiding Israeli territory).Target destination for today is Cairo.

Friday, 14th Jan 

Back to texts. In a seedy hotel in the middle of old Damascas, and hoping that Stanley will be OK in the street! Some sightseeing in the evening but have to move the vehicle by 8am tomorrow so may just crack on to Jordan and the Dead Sea.

Thursday, 13th Jan - Keith's first contribution!

Well thıs ıs my fırst attempt to edıt myself you know I am a luddıte and thıs ıs a Turkısh keyboard! Today we set off ın sub zero temps and thıck fog .... agaın! Rather borıng transıt south untıl lunchtıme when the vız ımproved and the mountaın scenery was excellent. Very long descent from hıgh plateau and we fınıshed up ın Iskenderun (350 miles) at 1700 - tıred dark and rush hour ... ıts not all plaın saılıng! Found a half decent hotel and fed at Pızza House ın a spankıng new shoppıng mall - Turkey ıs a land of ıncredıble contrast, massıve housıng and ındustrıal development. Everybody very frıendly, notwıthstandıng the language barrier.Tomorrow wıll be an early start and over the border ınto Syrıa - our fırst serıous border crossıng wıth Carnet, vısas, ınsurance and varıous taxes ......sounds fun!

Wednesday, 12th Jan

Braved scary traffic to drive right into middle of Istanbul on Monday afternoon. Note for any other intrepid travellers that fuel is more expensive in Greece than Italy, and even more expensive in Turkey! Tuesday was a day off from driving -  the hotel was sufficiently central to be able to walk to the sights - Blue Mosque, the very impressive Ayasophya, and shopping haven of the Grand Bazaar for Jane! Keith managed to resist selling Jane for camels, though if it had been motorbikes, things might have been different! Jane was wondering if she could exchange Keith for handbags and shoes. Today, they were back on the road for 300 miles to just south of Ankara where it is cold and snowy.  Tomorrow they hope to reach Iskenderun. 

Sunday

Done Greece today!  Reached Alexandroupolis near the border with Turkey with time enough for a (cold) swim in the Aegean Sea.

Saturday, 8th Jan

Stopped just south east of Bologna on Friday night after another wet and misty drive.  Arrived at Bari in time to get the night ferry to Greece. So far, the route has been mainly motorways and unremarkable scenically.

Thurs, 6th Jan

A very wet 450 miles to Bourg en Bresse.  Mont Blanc tunnel tomorrow.

Wednesday, 5th Jan

Departed from Glastonbury about 5.30pm to catch the night ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg.  Route planned across France, through the Mont Blanc tunnel then down Italy to Bari and another ferry to Igoumenitsa, Greece, and on to Turkey.  Hopefully this will be a warmer route than Austria (with temperatures of -20C), Hungary, and Rumania!

 

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