Day 8- Kings Canyon
Early morning rising at the bush camp with attention focused on “Merv”. The possibility of a faulty ignition switch/circuit was considered and Pete Eardley rewired the circuit to bypass the switch. Hopefully some improvement would be forthcoming. A little better but the car reverted to old habits after about ten kilometres.
Arrived at Kings Canyon after an uneventful 85 km. The group walked the canyon and after another component change (distributor) for “Merv” some continued towards Kings Canyon resort roadhouse a further10km up the road. Brett was driving “Merv” and “Glad” was left in the carpark for Neil and Loretta to continue after their walk. Unfortunately unbeknown to Neil and Loretta “Glad” was moved to another section of the carpark. On their return from the walk they thought that either the car was stolen or driven away by someone else. Waiting waiting!
After an hour or so Ian and Campbell went back to the carpark to rescue the stranded companions and to explain the car had been moved to the upper carpark. We will not repeat the expletives!!
After a hasty lunch the group continued on the Mereene Loop further into the Macdonnell Ranges. Back on the gravel and one of the worst surfaces we have encountered.
Some 40km on the loop Bob’s campervan broke a spring and all pitched in to clamp and wire it on the side of the road. Bob Piercy’s bush repair experience saved the day and we all limped back to Kings Canyon Roadhouse for the night. Unfortunately Bob’s campervan axle was also bent and would not be able to continue without repair. The local maintenance centre for the resort opened the next morning at 8am and it was decided to consult with them then.
After a magnificent sunset over the ranges the group enjoyed a great meal with entertainment at the local resort bistro.