West Africa
Takoradi Harbour, Ghana
As Takoradi only had one dock berth, the Swedru had to wait to unload the GT. Meanwhile other ships were unloaded by stevedores in small boats.
[Please see map of Route through West Africa below]
Gold Coast Beach
While waiting for Eric Thorn to arrive in Accra, the Rover Boys visited the beaches west of Takoradi where they bought fish from locals or traded for trinkets.
Gold Coast Beach
Fishermen emptying nets
Gold Coast Beach
Sorting starfish and jellyfish
Beach Camping
Still waiting for Eric, Bristol & Bob enjoy a respite on the beach.
Camping in the GT
Very quickly, Eric Thorn decides to camp on top of the GT at night rather than squeezing inside with Bristol & Bob.
Buying Local
The rover Boys learned during their first few days to barter with locals for fresh food. Bananas tended to dominate the list.
Cracking Coconut
After trading for a machete, Bristol became very deft using it to open coconuts.
Never Too Far Away
The Rover Boys encountered locals virtually everywhere they camped. Seemingly untouched forest would be perforated with trails especially in West Africa.
Early Luxuries
Before heading east, the Rover Boys took the opportunity to stay with expats along the Gold Coast and enjoy their last taste of western luxury.
Morning Visitors
The Rover Boys would often have crowds peering in through the perpetually open back doors. Here Eric Thorn sketches for the audience while Bristol looks on.
Painting the Route
Early on Bob came up with the idea of painting icons representing countries they passed through. Here his is watched painting the Nigeria icon.
Cigarette Trade
Although none of the men smoked, they kept a supply of cigarettes to trade for food.
Public Bathing Holes
The GT and its inhabitants were a constant source of interest for the locals.
Public Bathing
Crossing streams and rivers enroute, they frequently encountered scenes like this.
Rainy Season
As they passed through eastern Nigeria, they began to experience the full force of the rainy season.
Crossing into Cameroon
On the opposite side of the Cross River bridge they encountered this sign.
Winching Out
They quickly learned the power of the GT's front winch on deeply rutted roads.
Double Duty
They began using the engine to dry skins. Here Bristol is undertaking a quick electrical repair.
Pet Raptor
As teenagers, all three men collected wild pets. This continued on the trip – becoming a menagerie of species.
Chameleon
The subject of endless fascination. They would eventually acquire one for the GT.
