While not necessarily a camping or Africa preparation trip, what follows is a brief update on our New Years trip to Weymouth and other general news...

Initially we were going to camp in Cathey, although at the last minute we changed our mind and decided to take up two spaces in the cute cottages right in the town centre that Tracey had booked. This turned out to be an inspired decision as once again the weather was not exactly camping friendly! Also we were right next to Hope Square, where the main New Years Eve Party was centred, so we didn't have far to go. Also it was very nice being with our friends in the cottage and not having to leave at night and go back to a campsite on our own.

However we still drove down in Cathey, mainly to give her a final long distance shake down/road test. As usual no problems. Also as it was our 1st winter long distance trip was quite pleased to report that temperatures inside the cap even at night remain very cosy! This bodes well for our winter crossing of Europe! On the way down we once again drove through some torrential rain however this time as our windscreen wipers had been sorted by Foleys we had no problems and it was actually quite fun as quite a few places on the minor roads were flooded - just when you need a Land Rover! Driver's door still leaked quite a bit but I am having another final attempt at resealing both doors and have ordered additional rubber seals for inside each door, see http://www.sealsdirect.co.uk/bbCMS/shopping.asp?intDepartmentId=1#15. Although I don't think we will have as much of a problem with the leaks in Africa I think it will help keep some of the dust out too which will be a good idea.

Back to Weymouth... parking in the narrow streets behind the cottage was good practise too - 15 point turn reverse parking later! The main reason for going down was the traditional fancy dress New Years Eve Street party! It centres around Hope Square but spills over to surrounding streets and pretty much the whole town turns out in spectacular costumes. Man, we were not disappointed and had a fantastic, memorable party. We had a bit of a Guys&Dolls/Gangster theme going on. We did make a bit of an effort with our costumes but at times were made to feel a bit under dressed by some that we saw. I have only included one photo on this website just to give you a taste but if you are interested, do yourself a favour and have a look at some of the brilliant costumes in our other photos at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/[email protected]/album?.dir=dd1bre2&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//uk.photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos The party moved on to great nightclub in the early hours of 2007 and we partied away untill 4am, so all in a great night. Thoroughly recommend it.

Thanks to everyone for making a great few days and especially Tracey for coming up with the idea and booking the accomodation.

OTHER NEWS

• Our farewell party is booked for the evening of 20th January in London (Earlsfield) Invites have gone out but if you would like to attend and have not received one please email us and I will send one out! The more the merrier?
• Our Algerian visas were issued successfully
• Carnet (& international drivers licences) received back from RAC
• Our packing boxes for shipping stuff back home have arrived (Seven Seas)
• Roof rack storage & packing system now completed (in the pouring rain )
• Water pump & filtration unit complete & tested - works like a dream! (very satisfying I must add)
• Hot water shower system unpacked, assembled and tested for the 1st time. Needs a few modifiactions eg. submersible pump doesn't fit into jerry cans so will lengthen intake pipe and run it off Shurflo pump from water filter - which should also increase shower pressure?
• Our last job will probably be sorting out/replacing gas cooker - which despite our best efforts at getting spare parts still won't burn correctly

Thats it in terms of our trip news. Our other big news over the previous few months is that we are now engaged! Yes, Rob popped the question on 01st November (Inga's birthday) & she said yes so look out for a wedding in Namibia around 28th March 2008. Also, congrats to Tracey and Andrew who also got engaged over the Christmas holidays.

Look out for the last update to the site before we go which will probably be our anticipated itinerary - hopefully this week!

Till then.....