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Vinnie has spent many hours over the past few months ensuring that we have all our bases covered. In order to prepare he has bought extra roof racks to carry the weight above, had extra springs installed to prepare for the rough roads, bought max tracks in case we get bogged, bought a CB radio, packed the tyre compressor and bought a debeader because we needed two spares and could only carry a spare tyre not an extra wheel. He spent hours one Saturday "wrestling the gorilla" as he called it, making sure he knew how to debead (remove the tyre from the rim) saying I sincerely hope never to have to do this....
You guessed it, 50km onto the first dirt of the trip we got a flat. Thank goodness for Rob, that's all I can say, cos it would have been me taking the flack! and yes, Vinnie was driving at the time!
The next day was spent "wrestling the gorilla". Rob, Steve and Vinnie spent the best part of the day trying to debead the tyre for a spare and ended up putting in the spare tube, which was about - Plan D.
Leaving the Diamantina, we headed to Boulia in the hope of buying a new tyre as the wall of the tyre (4 weeks old) was totally disintegrated. Thankfully we got there before closing time and replaced the tyre at a cost of $270. The locals told us that the tyre business is thriving in Boulia (population 300).
My challenge has been to keep going with the blog. Twice I have spent an hour writing the blog only to have it disappear into the ether when I hit the "post" button! Thanks to those of you who have left comments, that's what has kept me trying...Hopefully the next blog will be all about the Alice. In the meantime I will post more photos on facebook, it's so much easier!
- comments
Zelinda 'The best laid plans of mice n men!' Hopefully this means your bad luck now out of way n rest of trip 'smooth going' figuratively speaking! Njoy next part of your trip, hopefully mishap free
Leonie A bit of excitement to add to the stories! Great to hear how it is going. Love the photos.... Especially the colours! Keep well and I hope no more flats.
Jen Just found your blog Julia. Great writing and like the dinner updates! Free wifi at Abu Dhabi transit Lounge at the moment. Keep writing...
Tracey Llewellyn The tyre would have cost about $400 in Halls creek! Hope you get to see some of the West McDonald ranges. Say big hi to everyone & keep up the great photos. Cheers
Peter Di had some of her blog's disappear on her in Europe. What brand and model of tyre did Vinnie have the flat with, hopefully no more. Di and I are keenly following your travels.
Rosemary Gillett Hope you have seen the last of "wrestling the gorilla". Great photos. Looking forward to hearing about Alice.
Julia Kelly Thanks to all of you for your comments. Pete the tyre was a Michelin all terrain, Vinnie said it would have been better if he had light truck tyres. Next time...