Here we are, M and I, at Mt. Isa and Bob and Fiona are currently flying back to Brisbane from here. Yes we have been forced to part company by that #$@*&^% Disco. About one hundred and thirty two kilometres west of Camoweal, the Disco had a terminal gearbox failure, dumping all of the auto trans fluid and making loud clunking and grinding noises. As the fluid was coming from the bell housing, I assume that the main shaft bearing has failed, taken the seal with it, dumping the fluid and trashing the gearbox.
Fiona went with us to the nearest phone (no mobile signal in that part of the world) which was at Sudan Station about nine Kms east. We called the RACQ and they arranged for the Disco and van to be picked up on a tiltray in about four hours. I dropped Maxine and Maureen (that has a nice ring to it, don't you think?) and Fiona off at the station (that's a very large farm, for those who might be thinking trains) and went back to tow Bob and the van back to the station. Mission accomplished, we left Bob and Fiona to wait for the truck and we went on to Avon Downs to camp for the night. M spotted the truck going out to pick them up at 1950 local and we went out to the roadside at 2100 local to see them go past with the truck to make sure everything was OK. Long story short, they stayed in Camoweal overnight in accommodation supplied by RACQ Ultimate Care (great product, great service, RACQ), we ferried them to the Isa, put them safely at the airport and said our sad farewells. It may be the end of our trip together, but M and I still have two weeks to go, so we are going to make the most of it.
Off to Hughendon tomorrow to meet up with Kevin Rosser, an old RAAF mate of mine and stay for a few days, then off to the coast around Rockhampton (Emu Park sounds nice) and then south along the coast, slooowwwllllyyy. It should be fun.
We feel that we have had a great trip with Bob and Fiona, and we have seen some of the best this country has to offer. It's been fabulous. Bon voyage Bob and Fiona.
J&MB
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Hi there you two reprobates! as you can see, I have tricked this bloody system into letting me post here!( now dont get upset J.B, you knew I was going to get here eventually! L.M.A.O)it has been so nice to travel with all you guys as you see and do new things along your route! it has been a great privelidge and we want to thank you for allowing us to do it.
ReplyDeleteTake care on your last leg, DO have lots more fun as you travel the coast home( although you probably think of the great outdoors as your home now!)I will call in again soon, love to you both and your travelling buddies,x x x x x x
Phil/Jan and the Welsh hoards.