10 days left.  That’s nuts!

I don’t feel like we’re anywhere near ready.  But we probably will do what we always do … run around like headless chooks at the last minute.

Speaking of last minute … if you’re planning on following this blog as it unfolds, so to speak … then be sure and register in the login box to the right.

If you’re logged into the blog then there will be extra features available, especially while we’re travelling.  You’ll know you’re logged in as there will be an extra toolbar with your name in it up the top of each page.  The blog will periodically log you out after a few days, so you’ll need to re-log in occasionally.

So, what do ya get if ya register?  For starters, under the SPOT menu you’ll have access to the live tracker showing the last few days so you can see where we are anytime.  You’ll also be able to leave comments about each days post.  There will likely be registered users only postings from time to time too … depending on what we get up to!  There’s also a live map  showing all the places we’ve stayed.  Plenty of reasons to register!

Hmmm … well just so how are the preparations coming along you ask?  For that, you’ll need to read on….

Read the rest of this entry »

29 Sleeps! That’s less than a month away.
The kids are starting to feel the pressure now to get their ‘stuff’ organised. Their nervousness is making Kellie & I edgy as well.
There seems so much left to sort out and NO TIME left to get it done.
It’s worse for Blake as for the last week he’s at school camp. He arrives home from camp and the next morning we go … he’s definately gotta have his stuff together soon.

The car interior is in pieces whilst I run the last of the cables.
The 50A accessory bus has been run front to back and just needs to be hooked up to the 2nd battery. That cable supplies power to the Engel fridge that keeps the beers cold, so the importance of wiring it up to withstand the test of time cannot be overstated.
It also is the quick charge lead for the van battery as well. Most of that has been done, just the physical mounting of the connectors is left to do really. I’ve tickled the alternator to increase its voltage and current output, but since it’s unstressed I can’t really say if it’ll help much. The plan is that it’ll top up the 200AH of auxiliary batteries in the time it takes to drive between campsites … We’ll see!

The video lead for the van camera has been run as well, but getting it up past the side airbags and to the rear view mirror where the screen for it is is scaring me.
That is all a job for this weekend.

The 2nd battery has been sourced from the battery place in Frankston for $320. Its an insulated AGM battery of 100AH that should survive the under bonnet environment without melting I hope. It took a bit of finding as the normal batteries for the size hole I have were all closer to 80AH and the wrong chemistry. The wiring for that is a bit scary too. All 140A stuff and joined at places I’m having trouble mounting properly. Lord knows I don’t want to short out batteries with heavy gauge cables! Finalizing all that is a job for tomorrow too.
Forgot whether I mentioned that the snorkel has been fitted and a battery monitoring system for the van too. I have yet to find a decent spot for the inverter … it hasn’t got much work to do, it’s just to power the TV and small accessories when we’re off the grid. It does get hot though, so it can’t just be left loose.

That will have the car DONE! It’s taking on the appearance of a proper 4wd now. Bull bar is in place, CB Antennas, Roof Box and Roof shelf too. Got the Maxtrax up there along with a fuel can and some recovery gear. Took delivery of a high volume air compressor, air jack, tire pressure monitoring system and CB sticker this week. I’m oficially not buying anything else … except maybe a ……

We’ve got to do a full dress rehearsal and make sure everything fits. I’ve got no idea where some of the larger items are going to be housed for 4 months …

On the home front the freezer emptying is now in full swing with Kel struggling to only provide meals with whats in the fridge and pantry. Apart from perishables, she hasn’t shopped in quite awhile. There’s been some strange meals recently … and I fear that that there is stranger yet to come…

Kids entertainment is the next overwhelming job on the list. So many DVD’s to go thru and cull. 2 PC’s to have software loaded and sorted. A full backup of the home server is coming with us on the trip, just in case I need ‘something’ while we’re away too.

On the blog, nothing seems to have changed … yet there has been much back-end stuff to tinker with. The satellite tracker is now active for those folk that have registered as is the family and friends section … just in case we have something to share thats a little more private. Also I wrote a facebook app to track any comments made about the blog and echo them back here. A trip log to showcase the destinations and photos … lots of things yet to be enabled.

So … get ready! The countdown is on! This trip promises to be the result of the love child of Russell Coight and Mr. Bean … anything could happen … and probably will!