Back from Bush

Just got back from Alice Springs tonight.

I really appreciated the messages of goodwill when I announced this trip.

I think recent discussions put the moccas on the Disco and it dumped its ATF when the joint between the hose and the ATF radiator popped apart. There was a sudden decoupling of the engine from the wheels. A quick look underneath revealed lots of pink fluid p---ing from somewhere up front. Luckily we we only 15 ks from Mt Liebig and I was able to fix the connector, limp into Mt Liebig, and replenish with ATF - well nearly. They only had a 800 mls of ATF at Mt Liebig so we limped to Papunya where thay had plenty. Was able to telephone my mechanic for advice using satphone.

My son was going to drive the car home but I thought it best to get it sorted first so he flew home too. Can't complain about the price of tickets with Tiger- $30 from Alice to Adelaide!

My old man survived OK but his 83 yo knees barely stood up to the hike up to the Wartupunya Water Hole in the Siddeley Range. Some 18 yo Dimple seemed to give him some relief.

Route: We headed out through Glen Helen to Haasts Bluff, Papunya then to Yuendumu. Back down to the Newhaven Road. West through Newhaven to Nyrripi. Then SW to the SBJ, down the SBJT to the Davenport Range. Back along the Kintore Rd to Alice.

The road out through Newhaven, Nyrripi and on to the SBJ was all new to me.

Lucky the Disco didn't kark it between Nyrripi and the SBJ. We'd still be there.

But then, that wouldn't be so bad either.

Bob