"tanks" -- HOW I GOT INTO MOTORHOMING--PART 5.
Posted: Sun May 12, 2013 1:18 pm
PART 5 CONTINUED:-
WHAT A TRIP -- AFTER 3 DEPARTURES WE WERE STILL IN BROOME -
It was deceiedthat Jeff should start out on his way to Perth on the Harley without meas he was anxious to return to his family and his commitments in Perth. I would start out again when the Jaguar hoses were replaced. After the hoses and parts eventually arrived it took another day and a half and $700.00 for them to be fitted by Promac, the cooling/radiator specialists, but in the situation presented there was very little alternative. The phone and electricity at the property was again disconnected and we were "Up-Up-and-Away" again after having purchased fresh food supplies, lollies, and uncooked chicken drumsticks for the dogs. No need to top up the fuel tanks-- we had'nt travelled far enough to use very much petrol.
Again it was Saturday morning when I departed for the journey to the South and this was a time of jubilation for our repeated departure. On the road again !!! Russell and Saracen had forgotten about the seating arrangements and had to go through a period of adjustment, which they soon worked out a procedure for themselves. Saracen would take the "Shotgun seat" for about 10 km at a time and then at a given signal, which only they understood, would exchange seats from front to back; all was at easy for the moment. About 60 km from the Roebuck Roadhouse the fuel consumption and temperature increased to a high level and the best thought of the problem - given the past history - was that a blown head gasket was the cause.
All I could do was continue on the trip with regular stops to top-up the radiator every 150 km or so until I arrived at the next town South, which was Port Hedland, some 650 km from where I was now located.
There was no cell phone signal in this entire area with the phone that I had. I arrived in Port Hedland on Sunday, and yesd -- every garage was closed. The Roadhouses which were open did not sell any product that would help the head gasket problem. Another day of living in the "Box-on-Wheels" with the dogs confined to such a small area. Eventually, and a further 400 km I obtained a bottle of Chemi-Weld (which is used to fix the head gasket problem) from a garage in Newman. This was administered and we were under way again and departed Newman in time to parkfor the night. I could now travel about 300 km before topping-up the cooling system, and a stop every 150 km [ about 2 hours travel] for the dogs to 'find a tree' and let the motor cool down.
In this area it is not safe to travel after dusk due to stray cattle and kangaroos on the road, so the procedure is park and have a meal and a cup of tea, a sleep, and relax for a few hours before starting out again at dawn. The trip continued this way for about another 2,000 km until I arrived at Wyalkatchem.
---DON'T THINK THAT IT IS OVER YET !!!
On arrival at Wyalkatchem I find that 4 days before my arrival there was a very strong storm and the wind had blown down about 60 feet of the side perimeter fence. This meant that Saracen and Russell could not have free run of the yard, and had to be further restricted to the house, pending fence repairs. At least that gave them more room than their confinment in the "box-on-wheels". A new fence was ordered from Northam (120 km away) and one week later was awaiting erection by local workmen. We are now out of "Broome Time", and into "Wylie Time". Nothing changes -- all the same it is A.F.L. Grand Final time, and I think it is still September.
The Sea Container arrived at Fremantle on 15th September and this resulted in a trip to Perth, take a rental 8 ton truck from Hertz and bring the container to unload it at Wylie. This activity was helped by Jeff and a friend [K.B.} coming with me to unload the effects into the house and yard. Saracen and Russell had to be closed into a room during this activity, much to their upset. We had unloaded almost 2/3rds of the container when we found the snake. The snake was about 2 ft long and a nasty little blighter, which caused a delay in the unloading activity. On examination of a few of the already unloaded cartons we found 2 snake eggs, recently laid. This `indicates that there might be another snake in the remaining cartons. Who wants to get the next lot of cartons out of the container ?. We stopped for the night and left the container doors open, hoping that any other snakes would go for a walk during the night. The container and rental truck were returned to Perth, basic shopping for food and house supplies was undertaken at Midland where I had a brief catch-up chat and a cup of tea with a few Masonic friends at the check-out in Woolworths, and Morris returned to Wyalkatchem without further event.
The electricity was connected and the phone is now working. The mobile phone was changed over to the new system [3-G] and I can get reception in Wyalkatchem, Perth, or any other of the towns on the drive to Perth where I undertake the bulk of my shopping when I am visiting the kids or socialising. My days were now occupied by WAITING FOR THINGS TO HAPPEN, or the phone to ring, or taking the dogs for a 'leak' in the unfence back yard. There is a Merino Stud at the end of the street and with Saracen having an acute sense of smell and Russell being inquisitive [as most Jack Russells] I have to accompany them whenever they are outside, and this keeps me occupied both during the day and at night time, and if the fence takes very much longer to be repaired it's back to puppy school for them both.
*** this story is a reflection on my past and Saracen has since gone to Doggy Heaven***
That's about it at this time. I have yet to unpack all of the cartons and until that time I am still waiting for things to happen.
I have several stories about; How I became a "Gentleman" of the Armoured Corps" --a term used for the Armoured Corps servicemen, and my time in Bouganville during the uprising over the Bouganville Copper Mine project during the construction period.
I would like to think that you have enjoyed reading these tales of my past life activity. I am about to get the Sprinter mobile and take off to the North again for the winter out of Wyalkatchem and get away from the cold winter of the Wheatbelt for the warm areas up North. I may see you along the road, or at a Free Camp along the way, for a cuppa and a biscuit, and a chat.
Keith.