Days 10 to 12 – Alice Springs
“There’s no town like Alice”. Never a truer word has been spoken. The group booked into the MacDonnell Range Big 4 holiday park in Alice and stayed for the next three days. The first leg of the journey completed after some 2500 km. All the cars were given a thorough check in preparation for the onward journey South. It was also time to get serious with “Merv”and Alan tackled valve clearances first. Lo and behold two valves had zero clearance. No repeating the expletives here and there is a moral to this story. The boy scouts motto!! Anyway a 20km road test indicated that “Merv” was rarin to go and now promised to be the fastest car in the group. Time will tell.
Brett flew to Melbourne on Friday to watch the AFL grand final to return on Sunday just a little hungover. Thanks to “Henry’s” in Melbourne for delivering some spare parts to Brett at his hotel. The rest of the group watched the grand final at various venues of choice.
Paul left for Perth for other commitments on Saturday and it was sad to see him leave the group as his company during the journey was excellent. New friendships forged and old ones cemented. We thank you Paul.
We were reunited with Steve and Lorna also. Lorna’s operation was successful and flew home to Perth on Monday. Steve will continue with the group to drive his vehicle home.
Bob and Campbell arranged to repair the suspension on their camper trailer which was due to be fixed by Wednesday. They will be two days behind the group but should catch up just south of Coober Pedy.
Mention must be made of the hospitality in Alice. A very friendly town. Great service at the Caravan Parks, RSL Club, Gillen Club to name a few of the venues visited. The Trucking Hall of Fame also being a highlight.
Early start Monday morning under the control of a new tour director, Peter Eardley, heading towards Coober Pedy some 650 km south for a bush camp that night.
Preparing to Tackle “Merv”
Heading South
All in a Line