Don't let this happen to you

Submitted: Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 18:50

ThreadID: 66289 Views:2467 Replies:2 FollowUps:3

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On Patrol & TONI

Newspaper item (SMH) today:

Pair survives three-day walk in desert February 25, 2009 - 5:34PM
A man and his son walked for three days in desert temperatures of up to 40 degrees after their car broke down near Meekatharra, 765km north-east of Perth.

The pair had little water with them when they became stuck in a river bed on an isolated road 150km from the mining town, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) said on Wednesday.

They were eventually picked up by the father's brother and taken to Meekatharra, where the 53-y-o father went to hospital saying he "felt crook".

The gardener and labourer, who walks with a disability, would not have survived if he hadn't found water in a creek along the way, doctors said.

He has since been flown to Perth with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and is in a stable condition after suffering from dehydration and low sodium levels.

His adult son was kept at Meekatharra hospital for observation overnight.

Sounds like a case of: Familiarity breeds contempt.

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Reply By: Willem - Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 19:47

Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 19:47

Colin

Even the 'locals' are not immune to the summer heat.

Always stay with your vehicle. That old fella prollie got a bit of sunstroke.

Anyway they survived, that's the main thing

Cheers

AnswerID: 351030

Follow Up By: On Patrol & TONI - Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 20:41

Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 20:41

G'day Willem
The "familiarity breeds contempt" line was reference to the fact they had very little water with them, despite the summer heat. That could have proved fatal.

They will have plenty of water next time, and yes they lived to learn, hopefully, lucky boys.

I thought you were travelling? or have you joined the 21st century and have mobile internet?

Cheers, Colin.

FollowupID: 619332

Follow Up By: On Patrol & TONI - Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 20:44

Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 20:44

Willem,
That VW kombi would be a pig to drive, just imagine what a speed hump could do to its composure.

Colin.

FollowupID: 619333

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 20:58

Wednesday, Feb 25, 2009 at 20:58

Colin

Have to wait another 90 days before taking off for 90 days. I know I am going to be a Pain on the forum....lol

No, do not have on the fly internet. Happy to leave it at home for for the duration of the holiday.

That Kombi was built in the 1980's in Africa. Yes, it was an absolute dog to drive but it was only a fun thing to do according Peter. He went on to make other weird contraptions.

Cheers

FollowupID: 619335