Dormobile Adventures: May 2014

Thursday, May 22, 2014

The Knots from the Overland Expo West 2014

We had a wonderful time at the Overland Expo. Grace introduced the new Junior Overland Explorer program and taught the class, "I Can Knot, You Will Knot."

Here are some of the knots:

Overhand Knot

Slipknot

Figure 8 Knot

Figure 8 in a Bight

This knot is an alternative to the bowline and is used if you need a non-slipping loop.

Two Half-Hitches

We frequently use this for one end of a guy rope on a tent or awning.

Taut-line hitch

We use this at the other end of the guy rope, the loop goes around the tent peg or a tree. The knot can slide up and down the guy line to adjust the tension.

Bunt Line Hitch

A bit harder to tie than the two half hitches, it holds better, especially on slippery rope.

More Knots!

If you are interested, here are some resources for further reading:

A Few Good Knots, by Forbes Pettigrew

This is a free, open source book.

A site with good pictures even though it is in Dutch. Duncan Barbour suggested it.

What is a Dormobile?

It is a camper conversion for various types of vehicles. I own a Land Rover Dormobile Camper conversion. It was done in England as a factory authorized conversion. The distinguishing feature is the tilting camper top that is installed. Most Dormobiles have this feature. You could buy one without the tilting top, just the fold-down seats and the stove and wardrobe.

Our Dormobile has the top with two bunks installed in the roof, a stove/sink cabinet, a wardrobe, and the front seats fold flat to make a full size bed.

Let Her Drive!

Since I started this blog many men on the various Land Rover lists have sent my husband emails. Many are amazed that he has a wife that enjoys the Land Rover because, lets face it, an old Land Rover is not very comfortable.

Here is how I got hooked. The first time I went out with my husband in his Series III, 88” Land Rover, I was miserable. It was bumpy, hot and dusty. After about an hour, I was ready to be done with the whole off-roading thing. James was clearly picking up on my miserable vibe, and said, “Do you want to drive?” I said yes, and he let me have fun with the car. He didn't criticize, and only groaned a bit when I ground the gears. The paint job was not as important as me enjoying myself. The result: I have been hooked ever since.

So, any time a guy says, “I can't get my wife to come”, I ask, “Do you let her drive?” Most of the time it is a resounding “No!” Almost all of the women I have met over the years that enjoy spending time in the Land Rover drive some of the time. So, if you don't want your wife to drive then you will probably spend a lot of time alone in your Rover. And she will never understand the money pit that your Rover will inevitably become. If she drives then she will want those upgrades, too.

If you want her along, let her drive!!!