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Dolly’s Diary
Приєднався 2 кві 2022
Travels of Dan & Geraldine in their expedition vehicle - a Mercedes Unimog U3000. We left Scotland in April 2022 for an adventure to meet new people and explore new places in North and South America.
Unimog to the rescue - Epic pick-up recovery
We were heading along a Mexican mountain road when we came across a stranded pickup truck which had left the road. They’d been there for 4 hours when we arrived and had made no progress in recovering their vehicle.
We had to stop - but could we pull it up the near verticle slope back onto the road ???
We had to stop - but could we pull it up the near verticle slope back onto the road ???
Переглядів: 5 574
Відео
Day of the Dead - Oaxaca
Переглядів 208День тому
Join us for Day of the Dead festivities in Oaxaca where we meet up with a whole gang of other overlanders and get an insight into how Méxicans observe this important celebration of life.
The road to Oaxaca
Переглядів 18721 день тому
After 10 days we hit the road again - heading for Oaxaca in time for Day of the Dead. On the way, we stop off at Canyon del Sumidero to do a boat trip and then stay at a beautiful beach near Salina Cruz. Before arriving at Oaxaca we stay overnight at Hierve el Agua for a dip in the natural infinity pool.
Exploring San Cristóbal, Mexico
Переглядів 197Місяць тому
Join us on a trip around San Cristóbal in the Mexican state of Chiapas. We explore the markets, discover a new alcoholic drink, learn about the murder of the local priest and find out a little of the Zapistas….. No prizes for spotting the number of clothing changes - we took the different clips over the course of a week there 🤣
Oh no…. Not again 😩
Переглядів 232Місяць тому
In this episode, we get the truck started by the skin of our teeth, go in search of new batteries visit some amazing waterfalls and park up for the night just as the sun is setting.
Back on the road…… but not for long!
Переглядів 5002 місяці тому
We leave the heat of Cancun and head west. This gives a taste of life on the road when things go well….. and when they don’t !! We visit a cenote, dodge a category 5 hurricane, visit some Mayan pyramids and find some excellent Mexican food.
…and then we lost everything!!
Переглядів 2882 місяці тому
We thought we were winning in terms of getting Dolly ready for the road after 15 months in storage however….. on the morning that we were hoping to leave we took a taxi to the storage facility ( Big shout out to Yuri) but LEFT OUR BACKPACK WITH OUR PASSPORTS, MEDS, BANK CARDS AND IPAD IN THE TAXI!!!!! We had already been scammed by the taxi driver from Cancún airport - the old ‘cover the screen...
Dolly rides again …….. or does she???
Переглядів 6212 місяці тому
We put Dolly into storage in Cancun back in June 2023 for 4 months to return to the UK. Unfortunately 4 months turned into 15, but now we’re back for one final fling. See what happened when we returned to Dolly & tried to get her started again….. #Unimog #Overlanding #Adventurelife #vanlife #Adventuretravel #expedition #overland #U3000 #expeditiontruck #unimoglife #unimogoverland #4x4camper #4x...
The joy that is a composting toilet
Переглядів 3847 місяців тому
We have now lived with our composting toilet for 13 months and thought it was time to share our overall experience with it. The toilet came from compoosttoilets.com in the UK. At one point in the vid you see the modesty cover looking a little stiff. Well, we’ve since learned that if there’s any wee splashes these can go into the channel and over time prevent it from sliding properly so …. Top T...
🇲🇽 Welcome to mainland México 🇲🇽
Переглядів 1479 місяців тому
We finally leave Baja, Californa and get the ferry to Mazatlán on the “mainland”. Within a couple of days we stumble across a birthday party, complete with mariachi band, and are invited to join the celebrations . We then discover a paradise-like beach before ending up in Tequila!!! 🇲🇽
“Toad in the hole” and other highlights of 2023
Переглядів 19411 місяців тому
We fully intended to get this video out before Christmas instead of sending cards or messages to people, but what with graduations, weddings and hospital appointments we just didn’t manage it. We belatedly hope you all had a super Christmas and wish you a wonderful 2024. Please keep in touch!
Troubleshooting our Victron Energy solar charger
Переглядів 688Рік тому
Troubleshooting our Victron Energy solar charger
Palm Springs, Unimogs at play and an unexpected visit by the Marines - Feb 2023
Переглядів 735Рік тому
Palm Springs, Unimogs at play and an unexpected visit by the Marines - Feb 2023
A snowy double rescue…. February 2023
Переглядів 1,3 тис.Рік тому
A snowy double rescue…. February 2023
State troopers, a truck that won’t start and some beautiful National Parks - Feb 2023
Переглядів 433Рік тому
State troopers, a truck that won’t start and some beautiful National Parks - Feb 2023
The long awaited blackout blind - 9th July 2022
Переглядів 224Рік тому
The long awaited blackout blind - 9th July 2022
2 hub seals, 8 brake pads and 1 oily mess… (one for Mog enthusiasts!)
Переглядів 855Рік тому
2 hub seals, 8 brake pads and 1 oily mess… (one for Mog enthusiasts!)
Wetting our whistle at Little Thistle - 2nd June
Переглядів 2432 роки тому
Wetting our whistle at Little Thistle - 2nd June
Losing control in The Badlands - 5th June 2022
Переглядів 28 тис.2 роки тому
Losing control in The Badlands - 5th June 2022
A winch has a free spool and a break, when pulling while driving all the force is on the break and can easily be damage!
Cheers George 👍
Well done but if you’re winching like that, then stand well clear. That cable snapping would cut you in half! Might be worth investing in some Dynema or similar synthetic rope, you would need to cover it as it can deteriorate in the sun.
@@grahamjones4888 You’re absolutely right - but luckily it’s a synthetic rope on our winch 👍
Didn't expect that accent lol. Happy Christmas from Norn Iron!
Well there you go ya boy ya !
I liked the Mexican version of the Slosh and your enthusiasm to get involved. The closing sequence was also most appropriate for the circumstance ❣
Wow! You have restored our faith in human nature. In no way are we surprised that you 2 came to the rescue. Proud to know you and call you friends. Have you thought of starting a recovery service…Celtic Connection 😉. Seriously that was amazing how you, well Dolly, pulled that truck out 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️
Wow, thank you. We don’t do a fraction of what you do for others !! ❤
Dolly!!!
You’re better people than I am. I personally would never chance tearing up my mog to help a careless bloke I would leave that to the lorry drivers, I have way to much money in my mog
We’re big believers in karma and paying forward,
Well done, all three of you! It was brave of you to stop because sometimes it's a trap and then, as Dan says, the whole process was really quite scary. I was worried something might snap and fly off. I hope you got a free burrito!
Hahaha. Luckily the rope is synthetic rather than steel so can’t snap dangerously. 👍
your definitely building up your karma points, well done Dolly 🏆
Really enjoyed recovering them actually 👍
Wonderful! What a great place to be for Day of ...
Fantastic, what an opportunity to be there. I should’ve changed that stupid lock or made you leave your key…🤣🤣🤣🤣. Xx
Love seeing Oaxaca during Day of the Dead! The colors are spectacular! Geraldine dancing was the highlight. The butterfly display for all the missing women is heartbreaking though.
It’s definitely worth putting on your bucket list !!
Thanks so much. You confirmed things for me and so on with doing all of the above.
You are so welcome. It’ll be worth every hour you are investing in it 👍👍👍
So if you don’t mind can you give me some idea on how fast your unimog can go and also approximately how fast are you averaging on these roads the last few legs you have driven. The reason I ask is my recently acquired unimog (1996 - 1550L) is a bit slow and I’m trying to assess how much importance I should put on achieving much higher speeds. Currently 75 to 80 km/hr and it is at 2400 ,,, thanks in advance.
That’s a good question !!! We are restricted to a top speed of 80kph and are overtaken by most vehicles on the road when on main highways. However, the speed restriction becomes far less of an issue once we are in towns, are on smaller or mountain roads. In you increase the maximum speed with an overdrive or fast axles, you also need to consider the speed rating of the tyres for prolonged distances in hot countries and the braking capability of your Mog if it is fully loaded. While initially it was a bit frustrating travelling on the interstates in the US, we soon changed our mindset and expectations, planning overnight stops for a maximum of around 250 miles per day. We are very very rarely in a rush to get anywhere so just accept our maximum speed. Having said that, an OD or fast axles will reduce rpm and hence engine noise in the can which might become an issue for you after several hours at high speeds. Do add as much sound insulation inside the cab as you can !! Hope that helps 👍
Great video ❤ I’m so excited for you going to Oaxaca, you meet the best people there! Sending hugs 🤗
How true 🤣 X
Great video, the places you’re seeing are amazing. Was a bit worried for you at the start…all that starting noise, thought it was going to be a flat battery again🤣🤣🤣..however, it was good to go! Those pools looked fab! Here’s to the next instalment xx
We are so very very fortunate to get this amazing opportunity. We never plan much more than a day or two ahead either so it’s good how things are working out x
Great video, guys! We are indeed fortunate, and we often take it for granted. 🤗
So true! We’re hoping to get to Portugal in our Sprinter next year 🤞
@@dollysdiary160 🤞🏻😊🤞🏻
Ahh, San Cris and the Chiapas state is a magical place. However, their troubles are quite sobering. Great food but Dan's not going to find any hobnobs there :)
😂 he couldn’t find any Barry’s tea either 😂
@ when you get to the USA there’s a chain of stores called World Market. There you will find hobnobs and Barry’s.
You know how to rock my Dan’s boat!!!!!!! 😂
Great video again. Loving your pox shirt Dan! Looks very Mexican. 🇲🇽
Great to see another video. Now - was Gerladine's coffee pox the decaf variety❓
Oooh good question!!!! in fact… That might just explain quite a number of things that followed…..😂
That’s quite the sobering story about the priest. I’ve often wondered about the food and drinks that there.
Chimed a lot with me because of where I grew up I guess. We’ve since heard that news of his death made it to the UK. It was quite reassuring to know that people were shocked and outraged enough to share it beyond Chiapas.
So jealous🤣🤣🤪, great video and ..16 mins..not long enough ! Love seeing all the places you’re in and happy no flat batteries no lost luggage no lost passports 🤣🤣❤️Until your next video xx
We think that as far as our girls are concerned, it’s 15 minutes longer than it could be 😂
@@dollysdiary160🤣🤣🤣
About time we got another video 🤨😋❤️
We almost went to Palenque and Agua Azul and chose the sea instead. Looks lovely there though. Love you both. M&M xxxx
Another great video - keep them coming!!
Thanks, will do!
Everything you do you do with a smile - Big love both of you.
Awww thank you 😍
Do you turn your kill switch on each night? It might help a bit if you don’t.
Yeah - we usually switch it off. It was off that night so there was no drain on the batteries whatsoever. Thanks guys 👍
Glad you two got your battery problems worked out. We too recently had drained batteries. We figured out we were able to run jumper cables from our house battery to jump the truck as it is also a 24v battery. We find this very useful in case we are ever far out on a 4x4 trail with a dead starter battery. Keep up the good work we enjoy watching your travels! 😊👍🚚
Aw - thanks guys. Good advice indeed. We bought some extra long leads with the new batteries 👍
Ahh Mexican AutoZones! I miss them almost as much as tacos. Glad you got your power sorted and look forward to seeing how you like San Cristobol!
You’re great George 😂
Beautiful waterfalls and cascades and your Spanish is good - both of you!
Your way too kind 😂
OMG …flat battery ….i would be totally paranoid about it…no comparison but, my car battery went flat so many times Brenda bought me jump leads for Xmas 🤣🤣🤣I’ve now got a brand new one thanks to the man that smashed into me..👌🏻. So glad there were no other ‘mishaps’. Mexico looks amazing. Keep on keeping on ❤️❤️
Romance isn’t dead in Elderslie 😆 That was very considerate of someone to crash into you … bet you he still do esn’t know the favour he did you 😂
How worrying! Glad all is OK.
Thanks Roger ❤
Thank you for sharing i echo the other comments you both look happy aa larry back on the road 😎
It’s great isn’t it 😁😘🤗
Hi Dan and Geradine, we're just at the stage of choosing which toilet system to go for with MAD currently. Your excellent video is very useful, however I'm not sure about the choice of a Tiny Seperat with bags or the Compoost. Does the stirrer take much cleaning? Could you use kitty litter if no sawdust available? Do you just bag an bin the contents? Thanks in advance, Martin
Hi Martin. How exciting for you!! Firstly, the stirrer rarely takes much of any cleaning normally. It can do if you’ve had an upset stomach but can just fill the bucket with soapy water & leave it to soak. We’re sure you could use kitty litter if sawdust wasn’t available. It only needs filling about 30-40% with sawdust and lasts longer than you’d imagine! Yes - we just empty into a black bin liner and bin it, though if you’re in a rural area we don’t see why you couldn’t bury it alternatively. Good luck with your build at MAD.
Thank you, your reply has helped us decide to go for your choice, much appreciated
Lovely...that was one helluva biiig spider !!😮
You’re telling me!!!!!😂
Chichen Itza Is definitely on our bucket list, the LA motor museum isn’t 😂 Looks fantastic and both of you look happy, well and relaxed
Cheers Brian. Hope you guys are all well. How did Ruby’s trial shift go?
Great she’s got the job
Boy, I sure miss mexican food. And, ya'll too :)
Just made my first Al pastor the other day- next time we meet I’ll re-create the México food magic for you amigo 😋
Great to see you two on the road again! What travel Vloggs should just be like!
Aw cheers Cedric
Yay! Great, looks amazing …phew you missed that storm thank goodness! Roll on next video ❤️❤️❤️😜
Thanks Caroline. Right now tropical storm Nadine is approaching 😂
Good luck with the fix! A lovely update on your travels. Good luck.
Thanks so much!
Sooo happy you got it back! Such a stressful situation. Yuri seems so lovely.
That's a terrible feeling. I'm so glad you could find it.
Whooo, that was close. Crazy how much trouble one misplaced bag could have been. Well done, keeping calm and getting it back.
Not sure quite how calm I was but thanks bud 😀
That looks mint!
Living and breathing that angst!
Crikey! You guys! Glad it all worked out. Mega pleased to see you back on the road! 🤗
It’ll be your turn soon 👍
@@dollysdiary160 yeah, that’d be fantastic…. Maybe one day…
So glad it all worked out for you guys.
Thanks ❤
Wow! That’s a right scare! Glad everything is okay.
It really was. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. But here the luck of the Irish and all that huh ?😊☘️