then again, it’s a good thing I’m not. We returned from the Okavango Delta to Kasane where we left our car, to find the tube that brings the gas to the engine (or where ever it needs to go) has a hole in it. Mike and I decide we think we can fix it ourselves, but end up making it much worse than it was before–to the point where you can see our trail of gas as we drive. We are told the nearest mechanic is 10km away, but there is no way we can make it there with the amount of fuel we are leaking. There is a discount auto parts store in Kasane where we head to see if anyone can help us.
One of the employees, gets under the car, and “wraps” the tube using a plastic bag. It looks like it will work, but when we start the engine, fuel pours out of the tube. Then a few other guys go under the car to try another method…Meanwhile, I see these two people at the gas station next door, and I realize we just saw them at the internet cafe. They are driving a huge overland truck, and I run over to ask for some help.
It turns out Peter and Tessa (a father & daughter from the Netherlands) are touring Africa for 6 months in a converted army truck, now their mobile home. I asked if they were heading toward Kazangula, but they are heading for the Namibian border in the opposite direction. I tell them what’s wrong with the car, and that I was hoping he could give us a tow, and very matter of factly with his Dutch accent, he said, “I vill take you”.
Peter explained that they had slept in their “home” for 70 days, as many of the countries they drove through did not have any accommodations. Our adventures pale in comparison to the things that happened to Peter and Tessa. They have been woken up in the middle of the night surrounded by an army with machine guns; they went through 21 checkpoints just driving through Nigeria, they have been stuck crossing bridges, etc. They are also keeping a blog, unfortunately it is written in Dutch. But take a look at their overland route– talk about adventurous!
They towed us out to the garage, and 3 hours later we had a new fuel hose installed. I’m hoping that will be last of the car problems. Actually, the truck has been great, except for this one isolated problem. If the first mechanic in Komatipoort in South Africa did their job, than none of these other problems would have happened…
I just heard the same story last night at a dinner party at your parent’s house, Mike. You two are just unbelieveable! Both of you were the talk of the party…a lot of head shaking, jealousy, unrepeatable statements (not really), and admiration.
I just got this web site, so I am a little behind in your travels. Didn’t know you had a site for the trip, but should have known.
Enjoy yourself!
Rich