Newbie from South Africa

[bgordon]

Hi All,

Well, I thought it was high time that I get out of my lurking hole. I have joined this forum in April this year, and have somewhat become addicted to it. Man, it’s great to read about what you all are doing.

I would have loved to be at Minden, but this was only a dream, since I am living in South Africa.

It’s great to read about all of you – Miriam C being the hen that welcomes the newbies (b.t.w, I hope your health’s holding up!), Steve Wolverton building the Puffin in record time, Mike (S) with his great designs (I think the Optimized WW/Escape Hatch is the best design ever!), and Steve Frederick’s superb woodies.

Anyway, here I am. I have been designing my RV for more than a year now, and have gone through many design changes. I have still not made up my mind about the final design, but I’m getting there! As soon as I have anything worthwhile to share, I’ll get the pictures going to keep everyone informed.

Thanks again for the great forum.

Barrie

[Miriam C.]

I see you have decided to come out to play Barrie! Would love to see some pictures of SA.

As you know by now we do love to tease a bit so jump right in.

[bgordon]

Hi Miriam,

I suspected you might be the first to post. Guess I was right. Thanks!

I'll post a few pics from my other computer within the next day or so. I know you love the pics -something about the oil level??

[Ira]

SOUTH AFRICA!? HOLY CRAP!!! GET OUT THE METRIC CONVERTER!!!

Welcome, Barrie. I work with a girl from Durban.

Man, you people talk FUNNY.

As opposed to us former Brooklynites, who speak the REAL King's English.

[Nitetimes]

As opposed to us former Brooklynites, who speak the REAL King's English.

That's what that is??? I just thought it was something akin to talking with a mouth full of marbles.

Welcome aboard bgordon, it can be entertaining around here!

[bgordon]

Ira: Thanks for the welcome. And yes, I work everything back to metric (grew up with it). These inches and feet thingies are crazy, , (although my dad wouldn't agree - he loved his imperial system).

Nitetimes: Thanks, I couldn't have said it better - especially from someone (me) who's SECOND language is English!

[madjack]

Barrie, welcome aboard...you have the important things figured(pics) already...they don't havvta be of the trailer/build...they can be of you, the better half, the kids/yard/house/car/neighbor and since very few of us will ever visit your lovely country, how about a few landscape shots of the veldt and such.....
madjack

[Ira]

That's what that is??? I just thought it was something akin to talking with a mouth full of marbles.

With my accent, that would be an IMPROVEMENT.

[steve wolverton]

Hi bgordon. Welcome to the club.

[angib]

Hey, Barrie, you're the representative here of a whole continent, as I don't think we've got anyone from any other African country!

But we have had a look at a few Zuid Afrikan fold-out trailers - some interesting designs there.

Andrew

[mikeschn]

Hey Barrie,

Welcome to the forum. So you like the optimized Winter Warrior. Good choice!

Mike...

[Mike C.]

Hi Barrie,

Welcome to the forum. I see you have met my wife Miriam above. Beware the curse of the bubble oil.

[Joanne]

Barrie,

Welcome to the madhouse! Escape is impossible so you might as well enjoy your stay.

What city do you live in. When I was 14 my dad and I traveled in Africa. Two of our stops were in Johannesburg and Cape Town. I loved my time there. Cape Town was one of the most beautiful cities that I have ever seen.

So, do you have to build your tear with lion-proof walls?

Joanne

Hi All,

Well, I thought it was high time that I get out of my lurking hole. I have joined this forum in April this year, and have somewhat become addicted to it. Man, it’s great to read about what you all are doing.

I would have loved to be at Minden, but this was only a dream, since I am living in South Africa.

It’s great to read about all of you – Miriam C being the hen that welcomes the newbies (b.t.w, I hope your health’s holding up!), Steve Wolverton building the Puffin in record time, Mike (S) with his great designs (I think the Optimized WW/Escape Hatch is the best design ever!), and Steve Frederick’s superb woodies.

Anyway, here I am. I have been designing my RV for more than a year now, and have gone through many design changes. I have still not made up my mind about the final design, but I’m getting there! As soon as I have anything worthwhile to share, I’ll get the pictures going to keep everyone informed.

Thanks again for the great forum.

Barrie

[bgordon]

Steve Wolverton: Thanks for the welcome.

Andrew: Yep, it seems that the rest of the world is not really represented in this forum.

Mikeschn: I think the WW/Escape hatch is one of the best designs here. When I saw it for the first time, I didn't take much notice. But then when I really looked at it, I knew this could be the right concept for me! (I personally think you do the design a disservice by calling it a Winter Warrior. This RV is great for ALL occasions, summer, winter, weekend camping, bugout, etc...)

Mike C: Thanks for the welcome. The bubble oil will be level soon - just look at the pics below.

Joanne: I live in Johannesburg. Yes, Cape town is beautiful, but is ugly compared to some places. If you ever get the opportunity to come to South Africa again, do yourself a favour and travel the Garden Route. It's not called the garden route for nothing, you know! But yes, as cities go, Cape town is beautiful.

Well, I suppose the tear will have to be lion proof when camping in the Nature reserves!! Luckilly the camps are all fenced in. The tear will have to be baboon proof though. They are a real nuisance!

Let's see if I can get a few pictures going in the next post.....


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[bgordon]

Hi All,

Let's see if I can get the picture thingie right.

Here's my oldest daughter with the car that her granddad gave her. In the back you can see my current caravan (that's what we call them here in SA.)



Here's a pic taken earlier this year on the banks of the Vaal river (one of SA's largest rivers.) By the way, South Africa is generally a dry country, and not so tropical as it might seem. (Only in the rest of Africa is it really tropical).



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