The Honey Badger Shenanigans

Hallo! It's been a while. I haven't provided an update on the progress of our Honey Badger. I couldn't. Things weren't going as I'd hoped. I had to dampen my enthusiasm and face a few home truths. I am not in charge of this project. In my defence, I did start many scribbles, but for various reasons (mostly emotional) I couldn't complete them and certainly couldn't put it "out there"! I've come to terms with the realities. I've sucked up my disappointment and am floating on a wave of indifference. I hear my father said, "Eat humble pie, Maricha!" I will.

Rewind to August 2016: Experts hit the nail on the head when they said, “A building project can push a sound relationship to the edge.” They are quite right. They also said, “There is honour in death, not so in a divorce.” These statements are not mine but those of experts. Well, building an Overlander truck is a serious business and comes with a health warning. It's not for the fainthearted. Unless you have mega bucks, no budget constraints, or you and your partner are Siamese twins who share the same brain, be prepared to lose your will to live. Communication is an option, but that could be where things get tricky. Naively, we've been winging it.

---oOo---

MY 14 TIPS WHEN DOING ANY BUILDING/ALTERATION OR BUILDING YOUR DREAM OVERLANDER TRUCK

1. Have a budget in writing. Let it be reasonable, fair and manageable.
2. Have an agreed plan of action and works. Know exactly what will be done.
3. Get quotations.
4. Shop around—a lot.
5. Don’t rely on goodwill; in business, it’s each man for himself.
6. Profit rules.
7. Trust only yourself and your nearest and dearest.
8. Cover your own back.
9. Have a clear start date and a completion date. Deadlines are good.
10. Don’t fight with your partner; they always have your best interests at heart. They cover your back.
11. Compromise only when it suits your pocket, or when the compromise is the better option.
12. Remember the K.I.S.S. principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid).
13. Don’t ruin a wonderful friendship–tell everyone involved what your aims are. Be emphatic and clear.
14. Too many cooks spoil the broth unless you’re really in charge; back off and let the experts get on with it. Ultimately, it’s to your advantage.

---oOo---

Lastly, I admit I often envision myself in adventurous scenes, but I've come to accept that the real journey is about the chariot and the project itself.

In my last update, I mentioned that the Honey Badger was to have its electrical and gas wiring done. That was in July. We aren’t in a hurry; it suited us to have her safely tucked away somewhere, but I was beginning to worry she’d got lost. When anyone asked about our progress, I spoke about my health or the weather. Then, suddenly, I saw Butch returning home in the evening from that direction. He had been to see the HB. The wiring was done. 100m of cabling was used to electrify our van. The gasman did the gas fittings, and our gas/electric geyser was waiting to be installed as instructed. We will have an indoor and outdoor kitchen—hot-water showers (I hope outside, too).

The Hansen water heater incorporates innovative design concepts. It features a quality, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel tank, a stainless-steel outer pot, and a galvanised steel outer jacket, with a capacity of 14 litres and a powerful FAR (Far infrared) gas burner or an independent electrical element. Water is heated from 15°C to 70°C in 35 minutes. Capacity: 14 litres. Heating power (gas): 1500 W. Dimensions (W x H): 33 cm x 32 cm. P/N: R0002433.
Hansen Geysers are manufactured in Johannesburg by an ex-Cape Townian. When he heard we were from Worcester, he was more impressed, as he’d dated a local girl, and our call brought back fond memories.

Air conditioning has been installed in the cab section; the living quarters will have extractors. A drawer system will be installed so we can comfortably access certain items from the outside. These will be housed inside the raised floor beneath the bed. The bed has been fashioned. We will have a permanent island-style bed, placed across the width of the living space. We are adamant about having easy access, and last week that became a reality. There are openings with large compartments to house “ammo boxes” from the outside, leading to the space beneath the raised bed floor.

Our dash to Simon’s Town paid off. We could purchase two hatches from two yachts, which are now skylights: one in the bathroom and the other in the kitchen. On occasion, we’ll be showering under African stars.

Fast forward to February 2017. Sadly, I must report that the Honey Badger has been in limbo since October. Our wonderful engineer and clerk of works has to earn a living, and summer is the busy season in the Cape. Because of work pressures, Earl has stopped all work on the Honey Badger to concentrate on his projects. I’m confident that Earl and Butch will be eager to resume work once they have cleared their diaries and have time to spare. With temperatures soaring into the high 40°C, I can’t blame anyone for not slaving away on the hot workshop floor. A forlorn silence hangs in the air as she waits patiently, the energy of activity drained away, no more hammering or the easy banter of Hymie and his sidekick.

Last week, my parents and beloved brother made a sudden visit; he was on business, and they were there to have their car serviced. In one year, they’d clocked 2800 km, but the service record had to be upheld. It was lovely to see them; they enjoyed the old oak buffet in the dining room, and the sketches of their grandchildren brought back fond memories. Thank goodness all the old silver had been polished. After a delightful Banting Burger at Nuy on the Hill, we took them to see the Honey Badger. They were astounded. “Such a big truck, so much work, a project to be proud of” were just some of their remarks. I can see why I have such respect for Earl and his guys; they're professional, uncompromising in their work ethic and such perfectionists.

Sometimes it’s good to see something through someone else’s eyes; it gives one a much better perspective, especially when you’re impatient and can’t abide a dragging of heels. I couldn’t stop smiling as I guided my Mum through the process. The bathroom is a shell, but I can see a plan coming together. The electrical fittings are in place, and we have sockets for every appliance, smartphone, or electronic device. I can see where we’ll be sitting with our morning coffee on a rainy day, where I’ll sleep at night, and where I’ll store our winter woollens.

Fires are raging all around me; they're devastating. It's that time of year again. The Western Province is experiencing the most severe fires in decades; most of our beautiful natural vegetation is dying for lack of water. I will quell the fires of my spirit; I'll dampen my enthusiasm and go with the flow. Rome was not built in a day. I take comfort in the thought that we’ve got a very busy year ahead, with other exciting escapades planned. Soon we’ll be pitching the old tent again, hopefully for the last time. So, while dust gathers on the templates lying on the floor, I cool my heels, check my opinion, and anticipate the final onslaught once the harvest has come in and this year’s vintage has been corked. 

N.B. All thoughts and emotions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

Email us: [email protected]