COVID19 Compliant - Evening Fewbie PLUS Desert Drive - Big Red - 17 JUL 2020

[Wrangeld]

The One with Lots of Driving

After a few weeks of getting to grips with the sand, it was refreshing to have some many kilometers covered during the drive yesterday. Most of the convoy arrived on time so we were deflated and ready to go ... and then had to wait for latecomers. That's a shame because what I am seeing is that most drivers arrive early these days so that we can leave punctually. 

Attention to detail is also key - the start point is where we start, not where we finish. 

After a short briefing (😉) we were under way. A great part of being part of the club is that drivers are encouraged, if they want to, take more and more responsiblity on the drives. So it was great to have @Chaitanya D step up to the plate in second lead and @Kalahari act as Centre Forward. 

It did not take too long for him to have to practice his new skill as our first real stuck of the day needed a tug. Once (un) @Lucky sAm was pulled clear we moved on. Getting stuck in some soft (soft) sand around Pink Rock also gave our last convoy member the chance to catch up. 

On the way again, we looked in vain for an area that was not churned up beyond recognition and while being asked to hold for a moment I got caught in a small pocket, which provided @Kalahari with lesson 2 of the day, as we needed to repair the pop out that resulted. 

After that it really was plain sailing. and credit to the whole convoy  @Lucky sAm @Febin Frederic @Chaitanya D @Jolly Abraham @asifk @Najeeb Mohammed @Kalahari @Rinelle Sanaani for keeping going and handling the route with almost zero stops - until a short break to allow @asifk to cool the transmission of his Pajero. This was a great moment for a break as the sun was starting to fade and we could make our way over to Red Rock as it got dark. 

As the sun faded, so did our chances of finding playable dunes (it's a promise that next time we are in this area there will be more time in bowls and doing sideys) so we took the opportunity to do a little night driving. It is a whole different challenge as we found and with a challenging technicial stuck resolved we decided to exit and reinflate. 

In these conditions, with only 3 stucks that consumed time, we had the chance to drive in the sand for most of the time. It was good to see that some of the more difficult moments were handled well by everyone and where there were any issues, I have to thank @Srikumar and @Jeepie for keeping everything else that @Kalahari had not already managed. Big call out as well to @Chaitanya D. Excellent 2nd lead. 

Have a great week. 

Thank you for Flying with Club Carnity 4 x 4 😁

See you soon in the sand. 

 

Edited July 18, 2020 by Wrangeld

[Kalahari]

Extremely enjoyable drive! Thanks @Wrangeld for planning and leading - and rerouting when the churned-up soft sand impeded our progress. Thanks to you and @Srikumar for allowing me to learn new skills. For sure next time we can spend more time at Big Red, but this drive was exactly what I needed for a Friday evening. 

[Srikumar]

5 hours ago, Wrangeld said:

After a short briefing (😉) we were under way.

Those who participated in yesterday's drive were treated to a masterpiece of wit and humor while getting the briefing across. 

It was an absolute pleasure being a part of your crew, Captain Richard. Look forward to be with you on your next adventure.