Got teased by Iris at Drive Africa for my lack of German punctuality but thought 10 minutes was forgivable under the circumstances (jet lag and a generous time cushion before our rendezvous with the 4X4 instructor). Met Trevor Knutsen at the Total station about 25 km north of Cape Town on time despite a couple of wrong turns getting on the freeway in Cape Town and the classic blunder (almost) of turning into the oncoming traffic (driving on the left vs. driving on the right). I (almost) did this once more later in the trip but managed to avoid serious mistakes for 25,000 km of driving over the next several months. This is due in no small part to the training that I received from Trevor who turned out to be an incredibly patient and competent instructor: trevk@lantic.net or http://www.allterrain4x4.co.za/contact_details.htm

(Trevor Knutsen and Will Garneau -- at Atlantis with Table Mountain and Cape Town in the background)

After reviewing the route of our planned trip, Trevor thought that practicing in deep sand was the best use of our day-long course. We headed up to Atlantis on the R27 after picking up the necessary permits at the township office. An area of massive sand dunes with designated 4X4 trails, it was ideal for our purposes.

(Trevor maps out the route with Will -- Atlantis, South Africa)

Will and I were exposed to many situations including those involving retrieving the Hilux when stuck in deep sand. South Africans have developed eco-friendly techniques for treeless savannas involving snatch ropes (static and dynamic) and tire pressure adjustments which proved themselves over and over on the trip.

(Trevor provided tire pressures for every situation: getting ready to deflate this one and we will pump them up many more times before the trip is over)

The climbing ability, excellent condition, and all-around ruggedness of the diesel Hilux were apparent.

(Getting Unstuck: attaching the shackles and a dynamic snatch rope to the towing points -- and don't screw the pins down all the way)

I had off-road, 4X4 experience many years before but my farm driving was relevant only in that it had instilled respect in me for the hazards high-clearance (and high center of gravity) vehicles face.

(Driving off the ridge of a sand dune with Trevor coaching in the background: "whatever you do, keep your wheels straight!")

Trevor’s training also included highway driving and South African road etiquette which was invaluable. We were already well aware of the number of tourists (and locals) who end up rolling their vehicles on Namibia’s gravel roads. Trevor also covered personal security (carjacking, robbery, etc.) and emphasized this facet of safety in very useful ways. South Africans also routinely use the paved shoulders of their highways as a driving lane (“carriageway”) for slower vehicles (although it is illegal and takes some skill and practice to pull off without causing an accident or a “prang”). My notes and tire pressure chart (individualized for the Hilux) ended up in a laminated plastic sleeve and was referred to constantly throughout the trip. And knowing I am repeating myself: That we covered all of the kilometers safely was due in no small measure to Trevor. The fee was very modest – especially considering the value provided and it was a lot of fun too! South Africa is really a great place: all of the South Africans I met in my past had predicted I would love it and they are correct.

Labels: 4X4 Training, Atlantis, Cape Town, Trevor Knutsen

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