Oh me, Oh my, it's the 1st of May LTD (Living The Dream)

It's past midnight, and, as usual when I'm about to travel, I'm late to bed.
Thoughts buzzing through my head re logistics, whether we have packed enough (groan, said Sunder) and, more importantly, have we packed the right stuff.
I said to Matt Savage the other week... what should we pack to go to Morocco?
The wise sage replies.... well, pack & go to Morocco. When you come back, you will know what to pack.
Thanks Matt, but I know what he means.
Yet packing isn't just about things, it's about your mindset too.
So many things to consider, but as long as you have passport, money, a toppa vehicle, a wonderful carmate, and a great set of companions, job's a good-un.
Let's Live The Dream!
Cheers
Steve
PS If my iphone app works, blogs and the odd 4-toe should follow roughly daily from me, and possibly from others in our group of fine chaps and chapesses.

'Sunder' the Carawagon

Here is a bit about our vehicle (No.5) Sunder...

1968 SERIES 2A CARAWAGON

Converted to a carawagon direct from the Land Rover factory in 1968 by Searle of Sunbury, a boat builder with a penchant for design.  Can sleep four; two in bunks when the roof is up, with two below in a cosy double sofa bed. Cupboards, a sink, cooker and rear awning made up the living space.

Recent modifications include two large water tanks, one feeding the sink pump, the other to a heat exchanger and a hot shower. Also the engine was changed to a 200TDi, with additional power steering, front disc brakes and lots of sound-proofing!  A new extended awning gives added living space and rear weather protection.

First owned by the High Sheriff of Hereford, Sunder then did duty on safari in Africa until returning to England in 1988. After various owners she passed to the notable overlander John Horne, thence to a fensman who began a lengthy, fastidious rebuild & dreamt of adventure. This was not to be, and I was fortunate to buy a ‘bitsa’ from him. Two years later (2011) and thanks to Matt Savage, Martin Dennis et al, the carefully restored & modified vehicle was ready for some serious overlanding, beginning with a 5,000 mile expedition to Morocco.

Looking Forward to the Trip.

Morocco Overland has developed over the last few months from a dream to a reality. I have been part of White Knight's dream of adventure for many years and since we have both retired we have aspired to 'Living the Dream'! I have done this through my wildlife photography and have encouraged The White Knight in his dream, the search for the perfect carawaggon and was there there at the birth when the 'kit car' was acquired and, along with friend 'Florida Roger', shared the excitements and frustrations of its rebuild. When he signed up to Morocco Overland my adventure web was tweaked and I was only able to resist the temptation for a matter of days before throwing my cap into the ring. Since then the momentum has gradually gathered pace aided and abetted by John's regular newsletters, the one detailing ablution arrangements and a need for a cigarette lighter awakening particular memories of a trek up Jebel Toubkal in 2007. The culmination of the planning, hopes and dreams came to fruition last weekend when we had a dry run in Littondale in the Yorkshire Dales . It was a delightful weekend during which we all began to gel into a team, inspired by the delicious moraccan tajine cooked for us by John on the Saturday evening.
It hardly seems real that just over a week from now we shall be setting off for the Moroccan Sahara. I am sure that we all have our own aspirations for the trip - mine centre on the amazing photographic and wildlife potential, the taste of the desert which has fascinated me for years and the enjoyment of the experience with a great bunch of like minded people.
Bring it on!!

Sunny Maroc

We're all going to sunny Maroc!!!

Really looking forward to getting going, but fully expect to be covered in oil all the way. Any fool can buy a new 4 x 4 and drive to Marocco , but in a 40 year old Landy, it's an adventure.