Got the buddipole today, and put it up on veranda, and tested the SWR it was 1:14 at best and 1:3 at the worst, I will be doing more fine tuning before the trip.

An LDG tuner arrived today, I will use this with a dipole I am going to build as a backup antenna for the trip.

I will test the radio and buddipole on Sunday to hear the NRRL QST.

The helicopter trip is booked, but needs to be paid for.

The Land Rover hire has been now fully paid, so we are committed as we won´t get a refund.

I spoke to the engineering depart in the Botswana telecoms authority and have come a step further in the process to allow me to use the radio in Botswana.

Was going to get the malarone today, but the aircondition stopped and I had to wait for the repairmann.  result = we need a new aircondition unit :-(

Still lots of things to fix and do....

Another busy day...

Today has been busy.

I picked up the mefoto tripod today, happy so far, maybe I should have choosen the model down... its well built.

Lots of bricks have fallen into place.

Got a mail from Buddipole,  my antenna for the HF radio has shipped and they sent me the number.

I checked the number and found out that it arrived in the postoffice today.. wo hu.

I will be testing this at the weekend... watchout 20meter band...

I picked up the cover for the Garmin GPS today, just need the 12v lead so I kan power it from the vehicle.

The bill from the car rental arrived today So I pay that tomorrow...

I will go to the chemist tomorrow and order the malaria pills as we dont need problems getting hold of that.

We are having problems getting hold of Rand and Botswanan Pula from banks here.

USD is ok, but more exotic cash is proving hard to get.

Time goes quickly, yesterday I picked up the Sigma 150-500mm and Gopro helmet camera from Japanfoto in Bergen.

I also picked up 2 microfibre towels and a pair og hiking books.

I got word today that the tripod from Mefoto has arrived at the postoffice.

I have to pick that up tomorrow.

I was testing the D800 at the weekend, and have found out that the 3rd party battery grip doesnt like the battery it was supplied with, original works OK.

Just need to test the other 2 batterys work OK.

Tomorrow I go to the chemist and pick up the malarone maleria medicene.

Glen

A small teaser of what is to come....

Some very good youtube video's from the area's we are travelling to.

The first one is from Chobe, I think I will take the video camera with me and not rely on the nikon...

And from the Nxai (pronouced Nei) pan.

Hotel confirmed.

Confirmed the hotel today at Glenburn lodge,  and we contacted bosveldskerm and they have been really good refunding the deposit for the booking. They answered the mail extremely quick. So I looking forward to meeting them on the first night we are on the road.

I ordered a bean bag today to support the camera on the Land Rovers window when taking pictures with the big lens on.

 Bushlore the vehicle renters will be filling up the fridge and getting other groceries sorted for us, so we can be on our way pretty quick.

 Just checking out sim card providers in Botswana so we can use local rates, we will have a satphone with from Bushlore for emergencies. . 6 weeks and 2 days to go now..

 I hope we can experience this......


 

Changes changes.

 The route back has now changed, but only the last days drive. We will now stay at Glenburn Lodge in krugersdrop near the craddle of humankind heritage site.

 We choose to change the place to stay as we want to visit maropeng

 and the sterkfontein caves.

 

 These are only 30 minutes from where we drop the car off we decided to push on and drive almost to Johannesburg.

 We still need to sort:-
 A camera lens.
Power leads for the GPS.
Some antenna's for the HF radio.
permission to use the radio in Botswana and South Africa.
 Go Pro.
Shoes & sandals.
Binoculars.
There's much more too, but the most important is Malarone (anti malaria) tablets.

7 weeks to go

In 7 weeks, at this time, we will be getting up, and are on the way to the airport. We will be heading to Johannesburg with KLM via Schipol airport. We are still not quite ready but most of the major items are ready. We have been planning the trip for 6 months now. The blog will be updated when possible, in the bush it may take us a while so bare with us. Follow also our webpage www.froyson.com. Glen