First...the Mog is back...but not without some hiccups...

If you have been following us, you know that we picked up Tiny about a week ago. Not in the perfect state at first but after some long hours of tinkering by John at Frank Atkinson (the Unimog Specialist), we were on our way. The car ran perfectly for about 6 hours and 45 minutes...up and down hills at record speed (ok, record Mog speed of 95 kph (59 mph)- downhill. But, just 5 miles from home the Mog had some issues....rumbling....difficulty keeping power (max 10mph up hill!). Ughh! Oh no! As it was almost midnight, the goal was just to get the Mog home...

And Patrick drove like a champ....pulled it into a parking spot near our house. Not the ideal end to a long day. And bit worried about the Mog....

But, the good news is that the next day, no problem at all! And we have now figured out what some things that could cause this intermittent problem. So cross your fingers for us that Tiny keeps going strong...

Off-roading - The Highlight of the week

What a blast! The Mog performed like a serious trooper. This vehicle was made for some big time off-roading!

But, we didn't push all the limits of the Mog...it can do much more than we did, but with Africa less than 3 weeks away, we decided not to try too many crazy mud holes and pits....

We met up with Dennis and Janette and their friends for some off-road training. We were lucky to have found such a great teacher. Dennis is a dare devil and loves the thrill of driving off road (which he has done for 25+ years!), but he is very, very cautious and careful. Driving a Mog (3.5 tonnes) up and down mud pits, is not something you do without know-how. You can easily flip, hurt yourself or others, and severely damage the car--not something we want to do!

But, with our wellies and mud-proof gear (well, as much as it can be!) on, we set off. Patrick was first with a spin around the course. Up and down mud pits...through water (reaching over the headlights!)...over corrugations....what a great time! It does take technique and talent to be able to drive the Mog though...slow steady speed and very little braking. This is all about control!

But, Now for the one major instance of the day....To Patrick, the adventurous moment. To Corinne, the scary moment. To get a full view, you have to check out the video... I can at least set the scene. Imagine a very steep and muddy hill (50+ degree incline) that not many 4WDs were able to drive up. And Patrick is skilled enough to go for the challenge, and drives the Mog up the hill. No problem at all. The Mog may go chug....chug...very slow...but it gets to the top without any problem! Yippee!

But then the moment...The Mog is turned around for the return journey...down the steep incline. The front tires peaked over the top onto the mud below. And then the Mog was off....and off it was!....remember this is 3.5 tonnes barreling down a very slippery hill...

And the Mog decided to have a mind of its own, and not stay on the track. It decided to make a track of its own. And Corinne was standing in its direct path...so she ran (and was far from danger). The Mog did drive over a tree (not a huge one, but still), and landed perfectly fine. You will have to see the video for yourself.

Corinne also had a spin of her own, driving the no-power-steering Mog on the course. Shaking a bit after the drive (it is hard work!), she jumped out of the Mog with a huge smile on her face...

And the day couldn't be done without checking out the other vehicles there. Whooahhh! It was so cool to see everything from little buggy-like cars to brand new Land Rovers taking the mud and inclines on...you have to look for yourself..photos and videos....

Last bits...

And as we near our African departure, lots of other things are going on. But pictures and video says it best....solar panels are on, roof tent is mounted... Check it out for yourself: photos and videos.

And be sure to check back on January 9.

The team will be broadcasting back to you...from Morocco...in less than 3 weeks! See you then!