Pre-Africa Epic Part 1

When Herbert and I heard that the Swiss Land Rover Club were testing their vehicles at an old, abandoned quarry we knew that this was the last chance to test our car before our departure to Africa. we quickly signed up to join the club.
On our arrival we were met with curious looks. It wasn't because we were new members, nor that we were two hours late, our Land Rover was the focus of the attention! While the other guys went as far as to remove the seats to make their cars as light as possible we had packed ours for a trip to Africa. Spare parts, food for two weeks, 300 litres of diesel in side tanks and jerry cans, tools, roof tent, 40 litres of water and not to be forgotten: drinks for one night. All in all about three tons!

We didn't waste time. Ignoring all the comments about the almost fully compressed springs on our car we went around the obstacle course. We didn't get very far. In the first mud hole we got stuck. 'No problem for us'. A nearby Land Rover functioned as an anchor to which we attached the cable of our winch. The anchor wasn't as solid as we thought and instead of pulling us out we pulled the other car in. That earned us some disapproving comments from its owner. The next attempt came to a sudden end when our winch snapped but eventually two other cars managed to pull us out.
After that first experience we were a bit more cautious. We took turns in manoeuvring the car down steep slopes, through some water holes and sand. We don't need to say that we avoided the mud holes. I was standing on top of a hill, taking pictures when Herbert made course for a big, shallow lake. Some spectators standing next to me got all excited when they realized what Herbert was up to. I made to walk away and keep a low profile as I did not want to be associated with him. He made it to the middle of the lake before the car got stuck. While water was entering the cabin Herbert climbed onto the bonnet, he looked like a captain on a sinking ship. The guys from the Land Rover club had a good laugh.
Herbert stood on the bonnet coordinating

the rescue as an eager member of the club waded through the ice cold water to attach a steel rope. It took five Land Rovers to pull the car out.

Now they know us at the Land Rover club. In the evening around the camp fire we offered some bottles of red wine to make up for all the trouble they had had with us.

I am looking forward to the trip...............

Keep well and we'll send some mails once we are on tour

Axel and Herbert