Getting Organised

• 03:28
• 0 comments
• The Carey's

Trip preparation is one of those activities that is just as exciting as the trip itself.  There are lots of extremely helpful blogs from travellers that have decided to share their experiences of travelling the outback.  I have even collected a few that I have enjoyed reading the most here -  http://jaysea007-4wd.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/some-great-4wd-adventures.html

As you spend a little time reading the numerous travellers that have gone before you it does not take long to realise that there are 2 kinds of people:

• Those that spend their entire time consumed by the latest 4WD gadget, loading up the car and camper with every imaginable accessory, tool and spare part.  Some are an ARB brochures wet- dream with vehicles with the latest bull bar, LED lights, suspension, drawers, radio, mud tyres, 5 inch lift, chipped engine, hot water, cold water, fridge, freezer and kitchen sink.  Not to mention every electronic device invented including ipad, GPS, sat phone, UHF, HF, CB, DVD, NFI…. The list goes on.  Then there is the spare oil, spare wheel, spare axel, and spare spare .  With this much weight I would imagine that they would be lucky to get out of the driveway before something broke.  Their journey is planned to precision with camp sites booked, toilet stops confirmed and a precise travel time more accurate than a Qantas flight (although that would not be hard).  
• Then there is the traveller on a whim.  Those that head out with whatever vehicle they can afford (usually with a dog on the back), a swag and can opener. The most that is organised is whether they are heading north or south.

Part of me wishes I could be in the second category.  However with three kids and the wife on board I figure some level of responsibility is called for.  Therefore I have tried to limit the planning to some of the most obvious requirements.  It is also extremely helpful that I am completely non-mechanically minded therefore there is little point in taking a mig welder, spare injector unit or anything requiring more than a hammer and screwdriver to fix.  So – with this in mind the last month will focus on getting the basics under control.