I taught at the Overland Expo again this year.  This year I taught by myself (with the help of my parents) and this made it more fun. My favorite and most successful class was Knot tying: It's not just for kids.  Amazingly on Friday we had more adults than kids.  We cut 45 ropes and they were all gone by the end of Friday’s class. On Friday one girl who participated in the class, went home that night and practiced the knots until she knew them and could do them as well as me.  She came back on Saturday and showed me how well she could do the knots.  Then she helped with the class on Saturday!!

We found out on Saturday that Andy Dacey and Duncan Barbour, from the Camel Trophy had been recommending my class.  What a compliment!

Last year Andy and Duncan taught me several knots while building a stationary bridge.  This year I got to help Andy and Duncan build the floating bridge.

I got to run the winch for putting the final sections of the floating bridge into place. I also taught a journaling class.  I talked a little about how kids could journal their adventures and then we made Zebra journals. I want to teach knot tying again next year, but with different knots.  I hope to see you there!
Posted by Grace at 1:47 PM Labels: bridge building, Camel Trophy, Camping, Dormobile, knot tying, Overland Expo, Overland Expo 2013
Location: Morman Lake Lodge, Arizona, USA 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. Memorial Day Weekend 2006 Grace cooking! 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!!! Badwater at Death Valley Kelly, Grace and James Howard at the lowest point in the United States
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