2 Men in a Disco

I have been told...

2009-02-11T00:39:00.002Z

I have been told by some imbibed northerner

that there may be some words coming soon to accompany these photos.
God I hope so.
x

Heading Homeward - and a colder climate

2009-01-15T11:34:00.006Z

Finally - some more pics

2008-10-27T17:49:00.016Z

This should take us from just south of Andora through to Normandie.

On the edge - in more ways than one

2008-10-15T18:13:00.007+01:00

Being chased by a storm and other stories - will follow eventually.

Another day - and some more pics

2008-10-13T19:15:00.002+01:00

For Mags

2008-10-12T22:50:00.015+01:00

I'm posting these pictures from somewhere in Spain, not sure where, South. My job's to take photographs, it's Terrys job to know where we are, and I'm posting these especially for Mags, a close friend who up until now hasn't had a mention. Familiarity breeds content [sic] and all that. Besides, she knows she should have been here. Actually that's not fair, why should I waste the energy, she can beat her self up.

Much love,

Nigel.

In alphabetical order - to be sorted later.

A mountain top Sunrise - For Francis

2008-10-03T09:45:00.008+01:00

While in France we met some very nice people, Francis amongst them. On the Camel Trophy Owners Club (CTOC) website he's just asked where my nice sunrise photographs are. We were both wandering around at some unearthly hour of the morning sipping coffee and taking snaps. Well, I haven't sorted them yet, but I do have this little experiment in time lapse video. It's my first time at uploading video so I hope it works.

It's supposed to be in widescreen but the Blogger software has compressed it and reduced it's size, and in doing so it's not doing it justice.

Needless to say this will form part of a much longer video in the future, but I'm saving that as my Winter Project. As for now, I really must go and pack.

And the beat goes on...

2008-10-03T09:13:00.004+01:00

Off on another little jolly tomorrow, this time with my mate Northern Terry. France, Spain, possibly Italy, who knows?

It just occurred to me however that the last time Terry and I went on a little jolly in a Land Rover something unpleasant happened...

Nothing like that is going to happen this time, nothing like that is going to happen this time, nothing like that... my mantra for the day has been set.

Shooting chickens and other animals, from the hip

2008-10-02T22:18:00.016+01:00

OK, this is as far as I've got with the editing - and we're only in Fez (on the way down as it were), and it's here things took a dramatic change... but you'll just have to wait I'm afraid.
Please feel free to add comments, even if it's only "Nigel! Take that dreadful picture of me out of the public domain". At least I'll know someone's looking.

I would just like to add a big thank you to all that have let me point a lens in their general direction, again and again. For putting up with me being intrusive in all sorts of circumstances, and for not once complaining, well actually Karen B ..., thank you. I just hope the photo's have done your adventures some justice.

x

Force 9 Gales for some - then through Spain on to Morocco

2008-10-01T09:24:00.014+01:00

8 days in

2008-08-10T17:24:00.012+01:00

Some pics, in no particular order, no time to write captions, not my computer.
x

All the fun of the fair...

2008-07-31T23:43:00.005+01:00

This is a copy of a post I've just posted on the Camel Trophy Owners Club forum - ok so call me lazy. There is a lot of background that will hopefully get filled in, or it'll get lost in time, and that would be a shame.

Quote from: Nick Cox on Today at 05:48:16 PM
excuses , excuses we wanna read the blog!

OK - you heartless bastads [sic],

We had a list of things that needed doing, it ran to 2 pages, it included a lot of the cosmetic stuff being done, roof rack re built and all the paraphernalia that goes with that. The truck unbeknown to us, also had a list. Fuel pump seized, bearings going boobs up, Diff going pear, P gasket leaking like a Dutch dam, Turbo gone poop, even the screen wash bottle sprang a leak!!!

On top of trying to "restore" (I used that word!) a few bits, all of the above has put a real... not quite damper, but has certainly made preparation bloody hard work.
We both ache, ache like heck, and I'm convinced it's as much stress related as it is reaching in to places you don't normally go (no puns please - not in the mood) ;0)

I will now take this opportunity (Oscar time) to thank all those that have rallied to our help, some even despite their own woes:
Martin (he's earned his trip - but don't tell him I said that - he has an ego already).
Ben - and Ben, and Ben, and - you get the gist.
Sean - if only for his sarcasm (he knows why really).
Ian - for saving me on breakfast bills (he's been so busy I aint seen him for 2 weeks) X - and yes, that's a kiss for Ian.
Dan - moral support via text and Yahoo and for getting really stuck in (and angry at parts) when he could.
Mad Mark - a lot of you don't know him but he's been a god send in the last 3 days, stripping the donor vehicle and delivering parts, loan of workshop despite his own commitments etc xxx.
Guy, not done much only let us use the lawn as an open air workshop - take over the garage/kitchen/spare room ad infinitum. XXX
And yes, there are others but it's late and I'm tired but big thanks all the same.

Tomorrow (Friday) - 11th hour, we've a few bits of admin to do, finish building the truck, shopping, packing, and I suppose you'll want the newsletter finishing - yes, I know it's late, but I have been a tad busy.

Thanks to all, on here particularly, for advice, help and support - physical and moral.

Can't wait to be on the road and get some rest - Morocco 2008 (with a bit of the Alps and Pyrenees thrown in) - It'll be a good 'un

x
Nigel.

All the fun of the fair...

2008-07-31T23:43:00.001+01:00

2008-07-05T14:42:00.001+01:00

They've been arrested so it should be safer now.

And they were all going off to iraq to blow themselves up, it's the pick pockets and scam merchants we'll have to look out for.

Martin

We'll be fine...

2008-07-05T00:39:00.005+01:00

Just doing a bit of research and came across this:

Morocco arrests 35 terrorist suspects
• Friday, Jul 4, 2008
Moroccan authorities have arrested 35 people on suspicion of recruiting young volunteers for el Qeada in Iraq and Algeria, official sources said.

“All the 35 suspects were arrested by the Moroccan security services,” a senior police officer was quoted as saying by the official Moroccan News Agency

“This network has recruited and ferried some 30 candidates for suicide operations in Iraq and also sent three volunteers to fight alongside the members of the el Qeada Branch in the Maghreb,” the police officer, said.

The arrests took place in several cities across the northern Morocco, the state-run MAP, said.

“The 35 suspects were also at an advanced stage in planning terrorist attacks against the state and foreign targets in Morocco,” the police officer, added.

In February, the police had announced the arrest of 36 persons belonging to a terrorist network. On May 19, the police reported the dismantling of a “terrorist network” and the arrest of 11 people.

To be honest, we're going to be a convoy of 13 Camel Trophy vehicles, we're going to stand out, is that a good thing?

To put things in perspective, the above photograph taken on the 97 event only contains 8 Camel Trophy Discos!

We'll be fine. Honest mum.

What's the Difference?

2008-07-04T14:27:00.002+01:00

OK, just heard from the garage and the rear diff has had it's day.

Now then, I can lay my hands on a Disco diff to drop in, the problem I'm having is that the one in there has a Detroit locker on it. Do I push the boat out and replace what's in there, or do it on the cheap and drop in the second hand unit (unknown history), or, do I go over board and put a Detroit in the front while I'm at it...

Decisions, decisions. I hate being me sometimes.

On a good note. I went down to Pompey today and visited JW Tout, Mechanical Engineers, on the recommendation of Colin from Harwoods, re tent pole problem. After much humming and arring and searching round the back, we agreed that the only way to progress was to have some steel bar drilled to fit - "but it would be expensive". Hmmm, bit of a pause, tapping of calculator... "£24" - Can I pay you now sir?

So, hopefully pick those up sometime next week, in the meantime I can start prepping the poles.

Today I also got my timings a bit right. On the way out of Pompey I popped back to Hypose, still no delivery, but I was in time to meet Mr Wallace for lunch. Yeah!

Just one of those days

2008-07-03T23:28:00.004+01:00

You know how it feels, when you've run around all day and you're still left feeling you've not actually achieved anything - today was one of those days.

Ian and I went and explored Hypose in Portsmouth the other day, it's such a good job I didn't know about it sooner - so much stuff. Most of it useless of course - until you need it, and there's my point, knowing the stuff is out there to solve ya problem.

I needed a length of hose and 2 tyre inflator fittings - I have a plan see. It's actually an idea passed on by a Camel Trophy winner - so it must be good. Anyway, only one fitting but "we can order them in, tomorrow or the day after". Today was the day after the day after so I felt safe popping back down in to Pompey.

"They've not come in" - no I'm sure they'll be here Friday/whenever. Buggar!
But hey, other things on the list for today. Jumped back into Kermit, Max waiting patiently as ever - text message, Dan Wallace "What you doing driving past my office window?". Tried to arrange lunch but it was now 12 and he can't do lunch until 12.30 - he's just not worth waiting for. xx

Drive up to Waterlooville, Halfrauds, pick up some polish and wax. I aint waxed a car since I had to to earn my pocket money and I resent paying for the stuff now. Martin will some how pay for all this torment.

Then onto the fabricators. They're rebuilding the roof rack but that not why I'm here. We've discovered a flaw in the tent pole design and wanted to strengthen the weak point. Last week Colin (man in charge) and I discussed what best could be done and he kindly ordered me some steel tubing, today however it turns out the supplier has sent the wrong stuff. Buggar.

Ian comes over - shock horror - after breakfast has finished being served, and kindly follows me over to West 4x4 in Humph so that I can drop Jason off to have the A frame and Diff looked at, then he drives us both (and Max) back.

It's now nearly 4pm, time for a nap - a nap is always called for when things don't go to plan - either that or hide under a tree for 5 minutes, either works.

Tomorrow: Find alternative steel. Add to list. Tick off list. Walk the dog. borrow a credit card.

And the list goes on

2008-07-03T10:16:00.002+01:00

I'm worried about the rear diff, the truck is booked in to the garage for this Friday, god only knows what the news will be - I hate any sentence with the word "diff" in it. A frame joint too needs attention.

I've sourced some wire and some sexy buzz bars so the wiring of fridge, inverter, auxiliaries, is possibly the next big job, but that will have to wait until he comes back now. Also still have the split charge system to do.

Still not checked the front bearings, or changed front prop around. Nor have I done the gear/transfer box fluids.

Tent poles still to modify, hopefully pick up some tubing today.

I did spend ALL day yesterday scrubbing the roof, and only the roof, and it did take all day, and I do mean scrubbing. It was coated in what I think is the sap from the old ply wood - Grrrrr.

I would like to find, if possible, some new roof mounts, the rubber is quite perished on the existing ones.

Still to get: Another spare wheel and tyre. 2 more jerry cans for water. Possibly, still thinking about this one - one of Devon 4x4's tanks guards, plus loads of other stuff I've temporarily forgotten about.

N.
Never ever polishing this truck again.

Sweet as Chocolate...

2008-06-27T04:47:00.005+01:00

A bit of an update...

Ian and Max hard at work. I'm not in this picture - obviously I'd left Max to supervise while I went and made breakfast :grin:

Jason stripped of his manly bits. No roof rack, no bullbar, no rock sliders - is there no shame?

2 weekends ago Martin came down and we spent a couple of days writing lists and doing a fair bit on Jason, rear wheel bearing. Worryingly we found water in the rear diff. After further investigation it turns out that the diff bearing is shagged, and the rear A frame joint - booked in for next week. Fridge base plate also fitted where the double rear seat has been removed.
The big news is that we finally managed to remove, or at the very least, totally dislodge the roof rack. All the lights and breathers were disconnected and either hanging loose or sitting in the passenger foot well.
We also went to a fab James gig in Portsmouth, and whilst there it seemed only right to visit a couple of the local establishments - twas a late night.

On the Monday I ratcheted the roof rack down and took it round to the fabricators - the waiting game commences.

Last weekend Ben (from the Camels) came down and with the help of Ian, they did lots of things some of which included:
Jason now has: Stage 2 fuel/turbo tweak and intercooler. Shiney new OME suspension with air helpers on the rear, new ball joints on the track rod, new OME steering damper.

Other bits included drinking lots of Tangle Foot, telling stories of how Ben once became a honouree lesbian, tales of various strip joints they'd been to, and occasionally taking shelter under trees away from the rain - or just sulking for a minute while some bit or other was being a pig. Whenever anything actually went according to plan, or got finished, Ben would exclaim "Sweet as chocolate".

I spent the weekend refitting the newly plasticoated rear light guards - grrrr at rivnuts, and making sure everyone was fed and water sufficiently.

Ben worked his socks off - Ian helped - I made beakfast. BIG thanks to both xx

Newly plasticoated rock sliders and bullbar are also back in place. New Hella spots also fitted, as is new winch remote socket.

I'm not putting the bloody front grill on (again) until I've sorted the light above the winch - why is it the simplest of things cause you most pain?

Newly galvanised sand ladders came back yesterday - they look a bit blingey. And yes, the T-cutting is coming on a treat, just having great difficulty reaching the roof, which needless to say is also the worst conditioned bit. Ho hum.

Yesterday I got new lift pump olives and two new belts, drive and aircon.

Whilst all this seems a lot - how come the to do list still gets longer? Land Rover physics I suppose. On the list, wire in a circuit for the fridge and install inverter. Wire in new split charge system. Get tent poles straightened and strengthened - Ian, tad bit of welding to be done here - materials on order from the fabricators :smile:
Worry about whether the roof rack will be ready in time. Worry about the big holes where the rear roof rack bloody frigging riv nuts where. Change the front prop around (it's on back to front Ian :shock: ). Check front bearings. Order another spare wheel and tyre, plus inner tubes. Source a portable compressor. Worry about the rear diff - and fit in a visit to my parents :???:

Nigel.
5 weeks to go and panicking.

2008-05-21T23:50:00.001+01:00

Engine oil changed today.
Diffs re-lubed - back oil was a bit muddy and the front a bit thin.
Back bumper lights fixed - one a temp/bodge, depending on your perspective
New hose clip put on turbo hose that was "leaking" a bit - still no significant increase in power, ie still very sluggish.

Tomorrow: Roof rack off and dump at one or another fabricators - hopefully, along with rock sliders, bull bars, and light guards.
Also new glow plugs to fit. Gear and transfer box fluids to change.

This is NOT a restoration - just moves in the right direction

Some more boxes ticked

2008-05-19T23:17:00.002+01:00

Tent and extension arrived today... it's a bigger package than I was expecting!
15 minutes to put up - and that includes being not sure about what we were doing. 10 minutes to pack away. The extension may be a different story

Got cooker.
Got Volcano Kettle (off Sean - used once).
Got 2 chairs... pan set... plates etc...
And got discount off most of it with Sean and Karren being Caravan Club members.

Roof rack stayed on today, seeing a bloke on Thursday about the rebuild.

ps. K cooked breakfast

Another list - of sorts

2008-05-17T22:41:00.002+01:00

OK!
I've been sent an itinerary for Morocco, and to be honest, it means nothing to me. Martin however has been out and got maps and books and is geeking himself up as I speak. As long as one of us knows what happening and where we're going we should be fine ;)

15.8 - Ceuta to Tetouan

16.8 - Tetouan to Fes

17.8 - Fes to Cascades D'Oudzoud

18.8 - Cascades d'Ouzoud - La Cathedrale - Imilchil

19.8 - Imilchil - Amalagou - Goulimina - Merzouga

20.8 - Rest Day

21.8 - Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif - Todra Gorge

22.8 - Todra Gorge - Dades Gorge accross piste

23.8 - Dades Gorge - Ait Benhaddou

24.8 - Ait Benhaddou - Telouet accross piste

25.8 - Telouet - Marrakech

26.8 - Marrakech - Essaouira

27.8 - Essaouira - El Jadida

28.8 - El Jadid - Asilah

All I know is that Martin's excited.

A list - it WILL be added to

2008-05-15T18:28:00.001+01:00

Peli cases ordered [tick]
Fridge ordered [tick]
Tent ordered [tick]
Tickets booked [no tick] - must do
Cooker bought [no tick] - must find a Coleman supplier
Volcano Kettle bought [no tick] must find a supplier for that too
Water container [no tick] see Sean
Jason Serviced [no tick] must speak to West 4x4
Any jabs to be had [no tick] probably, awaiting meeting on bank holiday
Menu sorted [no tick] discuss with M
sexy shorts ordered [no tick] mustn't seek opinions

In the beginning...

2008-05-14T19:55:00.001+01:00

OK - deep breath.

The Camel Trophy Owners Club have 2 European trips organised for this summer, one to the Pyrenees setting off on the 2nd of August, and one to Morrocco setting off on the 11th of August.

After much humming and arring Martin (farmerboy2ky - I think ) and I decided that we would go on the Morrocco trip. After some research it turns out the ferry was going to be, around £900 return trip (Portsmouth to Bilbao).

Then some bright spark, Ian (Discocam), suggested "why not go from Dover a week earlier and travel to the Pyrenees first?" - ferry from Dover to Calais £70, return trip about the same, leaving £760 to spend on fuel, camping, and glowy things.

Quick call to Martin... buggar it, that's what we'll do.

So - watch this space as we plan, panic, strip down, panic, rebuilt, panic, and generally prep my CT Disco "Jason" - and hopefully have a really good adventure.

Anyone who has experience of traveling in these areas, or any tips, must see places, please shout up.