Decision making

Helen and I first met each other in 1971 when we joined a group travelling from London to Dar-es-Salaam and return, by road. That was four months of what seemed like non-stop driving and diving into and out of some wonderful places and cultures. After we had returned we all agreed we would repeat the exercise as soon as possible. Instead Helen and I agreed we should get married. It’s been non-stop ever since but so far we haven’t been able to go back to Africa!

The experience has meant that we have always, subconsciously really, used that trip as a reference point. We discovered early on what a fabulous time can be had by going off the beaten track, and have never “sought the resort” in all the time we’ve been together. Our favourite place on earth to date has been Currango in the high frost plains of Kosciuszko National Park. So, when Heather and her husband Hamish suggested we join them on their upcoming trip to Cape York “because they know we enjoy red wine”, it was clearly time to revisit remote travel again. Or give up the grog.

We jumped at the idea instantly and it was as if the thought had been gestating for many years just waiting for the right opportunity. We have after all, and in best English Pioneering Tradition, purchased and driven a Land Rover for nine years already, against this event. That is why it took me about nine months, to realise that only Brave Englishmen go where we’re going in a Land Rover. My apologies to owners thereof, I am still one myself (no-one seems to want it), but the statistics speak for themselves and we don’t want to be a statistic thank you.

The Toyota Prado is very nice, and everyone else seems to own one too, especially where we’re headed. It will do the job well and reliably whilst costing only half the national debt in diesel. You can’t have everything can you.