The Toys

Well we have been away for over three weeks now, are we both are generally still in one piece. I (Ollie) have been keen to create a brief write up regarding the kit that we have used so far. We have a rather full landy, against the advice of probably 90% of all overlanders before us, and so are keen to add our voice to this discussion. Firstly it is worth pointing out that we both realize that the minimalist ideal is probably something worth striving for to a certain degree, but we also want to create our own way of doing things as well.

Without doubt the main thing we are taking that is rare, from what we have seen, is the push bikes. But these have been an absolute joy so far, whether it has been to help us pop into town for some sight seeing, to allow us to have a pedal through some lovely countryside or even a full on bike ride, we have loved every moment of having the bikes. In fact we don't know why we don't see more overlanders with them. We decided to take our bikes as they would have only been given away or sold for a pittance, and as they were still reasonable but cheap bikes we thought 'why not?'. If they get in the way we will try and give them away to someone who will appreciate them, but so far they are our number one item.

Shortly behind the bikes is the COBB, which for those of you who don't know is a funky portable barbecue cum oven. So far we have only used it as an oven, but it has probably been used 7 or 8 times. In fact as I write these words I can smell the beer bread that Jenny is currently baking on it. Yum yum! To keep this from becoming another review section, I will list below what we have used so far and why it's been handy.

1. Bikes, as said above, used lots of times already, the only downside is closing the back door is a little more awkward, but we are used to this already. If they get nicked or break down, to us these are disposable.
   
   
   
   
2. COBB. Used for: Pizza, bread , stew, baked bananas, baked potatoes, did I say Pizza?
   
   
   
   
3. Leatherman. Used at least 10 times daily by Ollie. The trick is to put it on your belt, then you use it. And you feel like action man.
4. GPS. We use a PDA with MyWay IGO loaded on it. It has all of the roads of Europe and is FANTASTIC. For poor navigators like us it takes the strain of driving through the city centre of Budapest late on evening after a long drive.
5. Spot Satellite messenger. Brilliant toy, which can relay your position at any time to your loved ones. We have had a great reaction from friends and family regarding this.
6. Laptop. Obviously using this now, but also comes into its own now that most big European campsites have free wifi.
7. Petrol Coleman stove. Waaaay better than our gas, it burns hotter, and of course you don't have to hunt the fuel down. The only downside, no grill, but we do toast on a frying pan, and make up a batch of garlic butter to create garlic bread. Mmmmmm
8. Dry bag as washing machine. In use it is fantastic, but I have already managed to snag a huge hole in it. But this just gave me an excuse to get out the sailor's sewing kit, and huge patches of puncture repair kit and rubber glue. Was fun! Now giving it a go with an internal semi dry bag.
9. Engel fridge. How do people cope without these? Well worth the money we eventually forked out on it. Expensive, but just sits there all day keeping your beer cold!
10. Roof Tent. So far we have paid for one nights accommodation, apart from camping, so this is saving us money every day. Keeps us warm and dry too!
11. Blow up canoe. Yes, have been out for one lovely paddle already. More to follow hopefully.
    
    
    
    
12. Kelly kettle. Didn't get used until we free camped and then got used lots. We still love it.
13. Axe. Chop chop chop :)
14. Grill rack and Diablos. Used as soon as we had a camp fire.
15. Portable toilet seat. Least said soonest forgotten. But 100% did it's job (bie).
16. Spade. For hot coals and er burying things that need to be buried (see above).
17. Tables and chairs. Couldn't live without them.

As well as all the kit we have used I should list that which we haven't.

1. Hi-lift jack. No need to use it yet, and hopefully we won't!
2. Machete. No need yet, but I think the jungles of S.E. Asia are quivering with fear.
3. Driving lights. Again no need yet.
4. Winch. Ollie does use it to get up onto the bonnet, doesn't really justify it's existence yet.

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