Expedition Overland
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15 April 2003 - 24 June 2005

Around the World in a 6x6 Land Rover

We have just arrived home in Nottingham, having completed our journey around the world.  We visited 62 countries and covered a distance of nearly 120,000km, (enough to circumnavigate the globe at the equator three times).  The world has so many breathtakingly beautiful places and we are privileged to have experienced just some of them.  We were exposed to so many different cultures and in our experience we discovered that for the most part, the world is a remarkably kind and benevolent place.  We felt uplifted and encouraged to see so much friendliness and generous spirit from people all over the world.

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made our trip so fascinating and rewarding - from fellow travellers and gracious hosts in so many countries, to the myriad locals who waved, smiled and welcomed us wherever we went, and to friends, family and strangers who have followed our travels on-line and sent us emails of thanks and support.  Thank you, we are grateful for the many ways in which you have enriched our journey!

We will be adding the final touches to the website over the next weeks and months, so it will eventually all make sense....

Welcome to our website which describes our preparation, planning and travels around the world.  The website is divided into nine categories, plus a simple What's New section.  Each category gives an overview coupled with further, in-depth information particular to that section.

In April 2003 we embarked upon a two-year, trans-world expedition in our custom-built, 6x6 Land-Rover called Nyathi.  We intend to cover a distance of over 150,000kms, traversing more than 60 countries.  We planned the trip for the best part of three years and jumped out of the rat race into the panic of what were last minute trip preparations...

In summary our trip will take us from our home city of Nottingham, down through France and Spain, shipping across to Morocco.  We will travel through about 23 countries in Africa, shipping from Cape Town to Buenos Aires.

Then through 15 countries in South and Central America and on to Mexico, the USA, Canada and Alaska, crossing the Bering Sea to Siberia.  South through Mongolia, China and South East Asia, across middle Asia, the Middle East, Europe and back to Nottingham in about May 2005.  (We may also consider adding Australia to the itinerary). As you would imagine, our actual route will depend on politics, weather, road conditions and other unpredictable factors. See Route

Even though it is mainly written for ourselves, we hope you find this website a useful tool to find out more about us, our preparations and planning and how we are coping with the rigours of adventure travel around the world.  Feel free to send us email, either about the site, or about our trip.  Please do not send messages with pictures or attachments (or at least put any photos or attachments in a separate email to the text message which we will download when we have a fast internet connection).

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Michael Stuart Groves Michael Groves born in Johannesburg, South Africa. Father Donald Groves, Mother Hilary Groves. Siblings Elaine Lackey, Jennifer, Lennox (Lex), Rose-Anne Hawkeswood, Susan.  Ivor Rowe, Andrew Adams, Trevor Dobeson, Malcolm Skeen, Paul Crane, Martin Sanne, Marek Ranoszek, Bruce Barrett, Detlev Borner, Wynand Louw, Alastair Andrews, Wayne Parsons. Went to Hyde Park High School 1975-1979. University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) 1980-84. Started System Software while studying. Military service in SADF in Financial Services Corps at Voortrekkerhoogte, and Directorate Logistics Services 1985-1987, with Peter Fitzhenry, Richard Vining, Philip Toth. Worked At Lasernet with Charles Proudfoot, Tim Stiff, Tony Galvao, Kevin Ferreira, Nicole Erasmie, Sharon Coombe. Worked at  Centre Group with Frank Appunn, Jaap Schaapherder, Ian Gerada. Michael Groves formed Associated Computer Resources (ACR). Project at Markinor, worked with Sue Knight, Martin Slack, Shirley Benney, Karen Dalton, Miroslav. Trans Africa trip 1994-1995 by Godzilla the Bedford with Sandy, Jennifer, Rose-Anne, Edwin Lerwill, Richard Alexander, Marja Kuiper, Grant Buser, Mandy Perks, Wayne Schultz, Helen Jenvey (Bells) , Richard Vining, Pam, Kevin Dines, Fabian Sinovich, Fabian Prince. Davin Baleen Ciing. Michael Groves worked for Boots the Chemists, The Boots Company PLC, Group IT Consultant, Handbag.com, worked with Simon Brodie, Jan Harrison, Robert Gilmore, Bob Meller, Ben Sharlotte, Martin Holtom, Anton Lockwood, David Rollason, Roger Spells, Jonathan Wickens, Andy Curzon. Nottingham Squash Rackets Club

Sandra May Methven Sandy Methven born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Father William Roland Charles Methven. Mother Anne (Annie) Patterson Miller. Siblings Iain William Methven, Iain Methven, Karen Anne Lea, Karen Lea.  Sharon McNeill, Sharon Paton, Carol Streak, Kathy Low, Lisa Lockwood, Helen Caretsos, Rene Coetzee, Steven King, Michelle Sheasby, Tanya Pyott, Hildegarde Balmer, Went to Henry Low School 1975 - 1981. Montrose Girls High School 1982 - 1983.  Lyttelton Manor High School 1984 - 1986. Pretoria Technikon 1987 - 1989.  Worked at Hazel Roper Public Relations. Worked at Lasernet. Worked at HNR Computers. Sandy Methven opened Associated Marketing Resources (AMR). Sandy Methven worked for Boots Insurance Services.  Sandy Methven worked for Boots The Chemists Head of Marketing Boots Health and Beauty Services Boots Dentistry, with Kevin Johnson, Tania Ciolli, Angela Sheppard, Adrian Evans, Carole Harvey, Helen Oliver, Phil Douty, Alison Whittingham, Emma Leech, James Mercer, Nicola Greenwood, Jo Cantrill, Jane Bellhouse, Jacqui Overton-Sewell, Chris Henderson, Mike Lees, Christopher Potts, Mark Prentice, Paul Steeples.  PPP healthcare Alicia Antoniou, Carla Greig, Jane Wiley, Chris Webster, Sass Lippit,