Sigmund's Stoppans :-)

Stoppan "Smell the flowers"

We pulled up this morning 200k from the nearest help when I saw a Benz Sprinter cargo van with the bonnet up. Went back and the van had just stopped with the fuel light on. It didn't take long to find the problem but fixing it took a little time. He said are you a diesel mechanic and I said no, just someone who has spent many years around the smelly buggers.

The gentleman from Coober Pedy was that thankful he gave us his card and said, come see me. I will give you a nice opal and show you round my mines.

We won't accept the opal but we will go see him and his mines. I really appreciate someone who actually thanks you for stopping and offering assistance.

Sigmund I have spent quite a few reflective hours contemplating how I tried to get through and didn't make it.

As Slim sang. "I've been bogged out in the donger, pulled down by suction mud
Where swampland bred mosquitoes drained a billy can of blood
Worn out a post hole shovel then put my mouth in gear
Pulled it back to neutral just in case the Lord should hear"

Stoppan let the wife use the restroom facilities of the servo or little park while she has the chance, for the next comfort stop may be roadside and it's ok for you blokes...!
;)

When the Yanks joined forces with the Brits in N Africa during WWII they were astonished to see their allies stop morning and arvo for a brew up.

That's something I've learned the value of too. It's too easy to lose concentration on long day's drives and the break restores it. Black tea, no sugar, with a few Ginger Nuts dunked in it for good measure.