London to Australia (ish)

[maples]

Hi folks

We are currently driving from London to the Land Down Under in an Land Rover Defender 130. Any one interested in our travels a can check out www.trektooz.com.

In a couple of years time we are doing Canada and North America, We are hoping to ship the Landy to Halifax in April time but thats as far as we are in the planning. We have a year so any ideas on a route would be most welcome.

Thanks

Simon
www.trektooz.com

[Christian P.]

Simon

welcome here! I remember reading your blog some time ago....something about a fire inside the truck...

:)

[maples]

Thanks Christian, yep that was us, thankfully no more fires, just lots of leaks, but thats Land Rover Ownership! Enjoyed reading about your travels in Africa, Egyupt just got removed more my 'to do list'!

Simon
www.trektooz.com

[Scott Brady]

Best of luck with your trip. Did you consider crossing Pakistan? I am looking into that route.

Please stop in AZ on your way through the US. We will have water, WiFi and a camping spot ready for you.

[maples]

Thanks Scott

We looked at Pakistan but could not get a visa for the car, it was just after the big floods last year so I'm sure it has changed by now. Plus you can only get a Pakistan visa in your own country before you leave not at the border, we thought about it but met people coming the other way say no chance!

Thanks for the camping offer too!!!

[Ray Hyland]

Simon, if/when you are passing through Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore send me a note, I know the members of the Land Rover Clubs there very well and am happy to introduce you. They will show you some beautiful spots and introduce you to some wonderful food.

Cheers

Ray


Update - Oops, I just looked at your map and see that my offer came a little too late. Oh well, if you want a place to stay in the mountains of British Columbia let me know.

[maples]

Thanks Ray!

We did in fact meet some of the Malaysian Land Rover club in KL who were great and took us out to lunch, which was really nice! They even fixed the Landy as well, we finally had a temperature gauge after driving all the way across Turkey, Iran and the UAE without one!

FYI they have some great Land Rovers in their work shop! Could of stayed they forever.

Simon
www.tretooz.com

[garethfrith1]

Looks Good :)

[maples]

I do have one question about America, sounds a bit silly but how much is the average campsite, done a quick search and a had a bit shock at some of the prices! Admittedly these were near the big cities so wondering what the campsites are like away from the built up areas. Is camping easy or do you have to search for sites? Whats the view of free camping?

Again, thanks for any help!

Simon
www.trektooz.com

[thecriscokid]

I can speak of Colorado, Utah, and California. Colorado and Utah are pretty easy to find free campspots even near the resorts. California State Beach Campgrounds are typically $30-45 a night

[Scott Brady]

You will find near-endless free camping in the western US. Look for BLM or National Forest land and find an existing camp spot. Near big cities, this will be difficult to find, but our big cities dont offer many reasons to visit anyways. A Benchmark or Atlas and Gazetteer will have the land details.

[Scott Brady]

Oh, and it looks like we just passed each other. I was on Fraser Island this past weekend (currently in Sydney and heading to the Simpson).

[maples]

Thanks Scot, saw you were in Fraser island, we where there about 3 weeks ago, hope you enjoyed the beach diving as much as we did! We are just about to do Cape York, you should come and do some proper off roading, and also winch us out when we inevitable get stuck.

[p1michaud]

Just caught up with your tread and a bit of your blog. I see that you've been within 125 Km's of where I'm situated at the moment (Biloela, QLD). Not sure of the route you are planning when heading to Cape York but if you need to stop in for some water or a place to stay let me know. Send a PM if you wish to contact.
Cheers,
P

[maples]

Thanks P!

Just about to hit the cape but might pop in on our way back to Brisbane.

You Aussie's are so dam friendly!

Simon
www.trektooz.com

[Scott Brady]

You Aussie's are so dam friendly!

And you both speak (nearly) the same language ;)

I will be heading back to Brisbane around the 29th. Maybe a beer there, or when you come through AZ.

[maples]

Hi Scott

That sounds like a plan, we will be there from the 25th July till the 1st August, would be great to meet up and pick your brains about the States!

Will PM you our number once I work out how to find it and recharge the phone!

[maples]

The second before the water reached the 'open' vent flaps and I ended up with no radio and a rather embarrassing wet patch on my the front shorts!

Simon
http://trektooz.com/diary/

[maples]

Another question I wondered if you chaps state side had any thoughts on is;

'is a 4x4 really required to tour Canada and North America?'

I know that only having 4x2 restricts some roads but are there a lot of off road opportunities in North America and Canada? Gravel roads apart would I miss out on a lot by only bringing a 2 wheel drive over?

As always, thanks for any advice.

Simon
www.trektooz.com

[BlitzleBlat]

Damn spammers...