ZA - NAM 2011: VULTURE SQUADRON

[Asterix]

Okay - Bugwar started a thread earlier while we were in the planning phase for the Namibia fly away. Today, we finalised all the loose ends, checked the packing configuration on the trikes, as well as the positioning of our cameras on the airframes to record hours and hours of footage from which to compile something nice afterwards.

On a whim, me and Bugwar decided that we would need a group identity - thus - THE VULTURE SQUADRON. This has reference to Dick Dastardly and Muttley , but it is also practical since we are going to cross desert and semi-desert, so, VULTURE might be approporiate.

So: This is the official thread on which we will be posting progress and pics: ZA - NAM 2011: VULTURE SQUADRON

(And we have caps to prove it!) Thanks Bugwar!!

Vulture Squadron will comprise of Bugwar, Blue Max and Asterix.

We will post on this link with pics as we go.

Now, all of you, please help praying for good weather over the period: 21 April - 02 May 2011

[BONZAI BELL]

Ek hou vir julle duim vas vir goeie weer en n veilige trip. Geniet dit.
Groete
Swannie

[Madman]

Have a Safe Trip guys

Wishing you awesome weather

[Tribal Croc]

Have a safe trip and put me down for the DVD

Hope that the weather turns and that you guys will have an awesome adventure

I will be following your thread with eager eyes

Enjoy

[JCH]

Hi Guys,

Hope the weather is good. I'm in Worcester for work and the weather here is clear skies. Hope same for you on your trip.

I envy you and should have arranged to come with but...

Fly safe and enjoy the wonderful scenery at Fish River Canyon.

keep the cameras and pictures rolling.

[Asterix]

Thanks guys - I have a mixture of excitement for the trip, and trepidation on the weather. However, the Vulture Squadron took a decision that we will not kill ourselves in an attempt to reach the Fish if the weather dictates otherwise. We will however fly for 11 days, and the rest, we take as it comes.

JCH, we have a formidable amount of hardware between the three of us to record footage - don't fear. Krokkie, I may be phoning you from time to time to get tips on the HD pro.

You guys will not recognise Geel Kerneels by the time we are packed. I am taking this as an opportunity to figure out what a "Safari - Trike" should look like. This includes 100% extra fuel, (50L) of which half is transferable in-flight, a tent,sleeping bag, field kitchen with fuel/food/water supplies, spares, tools, first aid, PC with wireless connection, in-flight cellphone comms, lots of cameras, and even a spade / pick.

Setup has been worked out - still need to check weight - but I should be within 85kgs (same as flying with passenger)

Trial and error - I hope to end this trip with an ultimate setup to go far without ground support. We'll see how it goes

[Badger]

JEALOUS!!!!!! Fly safe and post plenty of pictures.

[Asterix]

Short update - Vulture Squadron has decided to leave Friday morning. We will be routing Microland - Ergo Slime Dam - Klipriver - Vaal Reefs (fuel stop) then on to some nice people west of Bloemhof - Almar Game Farm. Very accomodating people - not on Easy Plan, but that may change after our visit.

Between weather and wrapping up, Thursday afternoon to Potch is not going to work. Rather, we can now finalise packing and final checks on Thursday afternoon without time pressures - then a little braai at Microland Lapa - feel free to join us - before hitting the hay for early take-off on Friday. I really hope that this 500ft cloud base kak will be more relaxed by Friday morning. Message to the weatherman - SUMMER IS OVER, WAKE UP AND GIVE US AUTUMN WEATHER!!

[JCH]

Looks like reasonable weather on Friday for your route until about 11am.
Looks like about 1:50-2:00 hours to reach Vaal Reefs and then another 1:45 to Bloemhof area.
Nice stretch...
This is at about 8am Friday.

YR Weather 22 Apr 8am

But at 11am Friday...

11am

What time do you intend to depart on Friday? -
I want to come and take some pics and say cheers.

[Bugwar]

Wanneer die eerste swaweltjie hoes of wanneer die mis opklaar. Watter een ookal eerse is.

[JCH]

Everything ready and packed I guess.
see sunrise is at 06:16
I will be at microland from around 5:30-5:45
See you there.

[Asterix]

We are sitting on the Bothaville airstrip after an exiting morning. Which included a visit to a lion farm - unplanned though - for those who wondered - the Sasolburg airstrip is no longer in existence .


Rather head for the unknown farmstrip 3 miles west of Sasolburg - but beware the lions...

Tobie Gouws arrived at Bothaville airstrip minutes after we landed here, went home to get his Cruiser and drove us around town to buy fuel and food - all of this unplanned and unasked for - these are REAL people.

We'll take of a bit later towards Bloemhof. See you later.

[Tribal Croc]

And the Vultures are off to seek some adventure

Spoke to Asterix last night and you could hear the excitement is his voice

Glad you guys had some good weather to get out of Joburg

Please give some stats each day (if possible) just to make me more jealous

[Tribal Croc]

I spoke to Asterix late last night and he asked me to let everyone know that they are ok

They managed to push on to the Lodge close to Bloemhof on Friday but bad weather kept them from flying yesterday

There is little cell service and they can’t get an internet connection to update their progress

Hopefully the weather was a bit better this morning and they can manage to push through to Upington some 280nm away

He also mentioned that they are having a blast but if they have one or two more bad weather days they won’t be able to fly to NAM

[Bugwar]

2/3 of the Vulture squadron are currently in Bethlehem. We decided to stop fighting the wind and opted for rather going with the wind. We flew 207 miles this morning in 2.5 hours and Bluemax dit 50 miles in the same time in the oposite direction.
Will post an update tonight.