Lesotho Trip - 15th- 17th June 2013

[Tinus lotz]

Well done man!!!

[Overdrive]

Alex, it is known that only the certifiably insane run up and down the Drakensburg in the snow. We, on the other hand are planning to drive up and down in the snow. After that we will know whether we too are also certifiably insane.
But for that effort

[ricster]

WOW !!!....Alex... you are truly insane bud !!!!...

Well done on completing that run in 9 hours !!! that looks absolutely awesome and somewhat scary. A slip in that snow into a hole can cause some serious ankle breaks!!!

I just hope there is snow like last year.... for us to drive through !!!

[Alex Roux]

Yes, with hindsight it was crazy.
We did not quite realise just how bad the whether was going to be at the top.
I still do not have much sensation at the bottom of my one big toe, but no blisters!
So it should recover fully.

[Overdrive]

I was wondering what you do if you get snowed in for a few days and your motor packs up or you run out of fuel. (we grew up with "be prepared'). So this is what a bit of surfing on the net came up with:
1. Snow can keep you warm – Although it may seem strange, snow is actually a really good insulator. If there is enough snow in the area, you can bury your vehicle to help keep winter winds from stealing your vehicles trapped heat. Just make sure you create an airway for fresh air, and keep one of the doors free enough to get out. You will also want to create a way of signaling rescuers if your vehicle is hidden by snow.
2. Block off unused space. Use anything at your disposal to block off any space in your vehicle that’s not being used. Blankets, leaves, and any materials that you can find, should be shoved into any spaces where heat can be lost. Make a Fort – Remember making forts when you were a kid? Well, those fort making skills are going to come in handy. Making a blanket fort can help capture heat, and can help you get through. Use duct tape and space blankets to create an extra layer around the windows i.e. double glazing – this will help insulate the vehicle
3. Run Your vehicle for 10 minutes every hour – Make sure to keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow or debris. Poison gases can enter into your car if the pipe is clogged.
4. Bundle Up – Keep extra dry clothes, warm blankets, a sleeping bag, gloves, hats and winter socks in your vehicle. Dress in Layers and make sure you stay dry. If you start to sweat remove a layer at a time. Put on your winter gear – Hats, gloves, and coats. It may be uncomfortable to wear when your trying to sleep, but your trying to stay warm, not comfortable.
5. Never leave without a winter survival kit. – Being prepared is always the best course of action. Create a kit that can be stored in your trunk. The kit should contain warm clothes, “space blankets”, tea light candles (for warmth), flares, BIC LIGHTER., water proof matches. “trick” birthday candles. The wick is infused with magnesium. Get it started and you can walk around in a wind storm and it will come right back. Ordinary candle in a 5 litre paint tin with thick insulating pad to place the tin on so it doesn’t burn the flooring. Candles in a small space can help provide extra warmth.
6. Huddle together. Huddling together in a small space can increase the amount of heat in that area. Remember to block off any space that’s not being used, then huddle closely together to generate more body heat.
7. Don’t forget to move – Move your arms, hands legs, feet and toes to improve your circulation and to keep warm.
8. Chemical Gel heat packs – reusable. E.g. The air activated disposable heat pack. often referred to as a heat pack, heat pad, warmer, heating pad or heating pack! Soft lightweight pouches containing a mixture of iron powder, charcoal, salt, sawdust, and vermiculite. When the heat pack is removed from the outer and exposed to oxygen, an oxidation reaction takes place generating heat from the pouch. Put a hand warmer (in a sock) in the bottom of your sleeping bag to warm it up before bedding down. See
9. EAT - Eating can actually help keep you warm; it can be especially important right before bed. If you eat before going to bed, the energy your body uses to digest your food can keep you warm at night.
10. A Small backpackers stove can be used to heat water. The hot water can be put in water bottles and shoved into a sleeping bag to keep you warm.
11. Be able to take a leak in the car- saves getting out in to -6°C snow storm. Screw top coke bottles work for males & females (funnel may be needed – there are special funnels available for women from outdoor shops).[/size]

[ricster]

Rod... Thank you my friend !!!

This is very valuable info. Last year, although we didn't get stuck, the chances were actually very good that we could have.

Here are some of the things I will be taking with ( survival kit):

A) 4 x sleeping bag per person ( My boys are still young and if packing space is limited, 1 sleeping bag will be shared between me and my one son, and Lianna and my other son. Sharing body heat potential)

B) Thick woolly blankets (these can be used to cover the bonnet to keep engine heat for longer and as extra warmth for people in the car)

C) Definitely a small gas stove and a kettle

D) Packets of 2 minute noodles ( small packing space, economical and can easily be cooked in the kettle )

E) Milo ( This is full of vitamins and goodness, and may not taste too great without milk, but at least it is warm )

F) 1L long life milk ( cause I don't like Milo without it... )

G) Empty 1L cool drink container ... with a wide opening screw cap..... ( for exiting Milo)

H) Spoons, plastic bowl and cups

I) Snow chains ( Not an essential item to rush out and go buy, but was lucky to get a set. Unfortunately I only have for 2 tyres)

J) SUFFICIENT FUEL !!!!!! one needs to have enough fuel to idle your vehicle for a minimum of 24 hours continuously. ( run for 30 mins, switch off for 10 - 15 mins, run for 30 mins, swich off .........etc etc to extend run time)

K) Diesel anti gelling additive ( Wynns product).... only if you have a diesel to stop the diesel gelling up preventing fuel starvation.

L) Spade ( to shovel snow if need be)


SUB NOTE: Make sure your air filter is clean. ( the air up in the hills is thin, and your motor will already be battling for air)

[Jorrie]

I) Snow chains ( Not an essential item to rush out and go buy, but was lucky to get a set. Unfortunately I only have for 2 tyres)

Cedric

Be sure to practice fitting those chains before you go!!
They can be a bugger to fit. Better to get to know the trick before you need them.

[ricster]

Please don't forget to get a letter from the bank if your car in still financed, allowing you to take the car over the border !!! this can take a few days !!!! Also a letter from your insurance to ensure you are covered for cross border travel !!!!
Getting fuel in Lesotho, as far as I know, can ONLY be paid for in CASH.... NO CARDS ACCEPTED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to use your cell phone over there, ensure you have international roaming activated.

[ricster]

One thing to check quick.... is your passport still valid !!!.... with 6 months validity.

[juice]

Turned the patrol on this morning and the madman gave me -4 on the exhaust manifold and the water temp was -1 in benoni , been watching the weather and those extra blackets and boots will be going with and a big big bottel of ob's ,there is snow on the slope so i will be bum boarding
three days and counting