The extra 1.609344 kilometre



Since we had not yet made it down to Peake and having our ‘new’ you-beaut car that wouldn’t break down we finally felt confident about going for the weekend. The big draw-card for us was fundraising for the Flying Doctors and the promise of Bill & Carol cooking steak sandwiches for lunch. Our only problem was that we hadn’t outfitted the back of our vehicle properly yet to stay overnight, so we compromised and went for the day on Saturday.

Kym emailed Fred for directions on how to get to Peake and got a very interesting reply which you can read in the quotes. Then, after ringing Bill and confirming that we would be welcomed (in Bill’s best English), we readied ourselves for our first club trip with the Delica. We didn’t need lunch as it was supplied, at a price, and only needed something for tea and happy hour, so we packed lightly.

We arrived at Peake, and despite our directions found the right place and a Wanderer on channel. At the campsite we found that the cooking of lunch was well under way. We were warmly greeted by those who were at camp and then by those who had just returned from a drive in the sandhills. I must say that the steak sandwiches were the some of the best I’ve had. Well worth the $5.

We then went driving thorough the hills, putting our new Delica to the test. We were still getting comfortable driving the car when Scotty jumped out of his car in a huge hurry jumping up and down, waving his arms around in some sort of tribal mating dance. I turned the car off immediately because of his facial expression and Kym jumped out of the car, thinking it was on fire. We were greeted with a puddle of oil under our car that was rapidly growing. Looking at the back there was a long trail down the hill.

Once again, just like leaving Arkaroola, the true spirit of the Wanderers 4WD Club sprang into action. Then, when I got out of the Rangie still in a daze, things had already started happening. The vehicle was being jacked up with someone else’s jack, a scout party had been despatched in search of wheel nuts, a panel shop had been created in order to straighten the car so the wheel could fit.

This time, in the same spirit and a different collection of Wanderers, the initial statement was made, "I always like going places with you, because you always do something to make things interesting." Dr Tony diagnosed the situation and tools appeared as if by magic, to remove the bash plate and reveal the beautiful hole in the oil filter. Thanks goodness it wasn’t somewhere else. A lift was organised for me to get to a replacement oil filter and oil, which ended up being Murray Bridge.

The next I knew, when I got back from Murray Bridge with all the parts, everything had been organised for us to stay the night. Tea had been prepared, a spare tent had been erected, air mattresses found, sleeping bags provided, pillows discovered, spare fridge offered. It must also be said at this stage that some people were upset, offended almost, that their spare items had not been used. Thanks for the offer of an extra spouse by the way.

The next morning we set out to find the car and found that someone had taken the time to mark the track so we could find our way back, wow, they thought of everything. When we arrived at the scene there was the Delica, but all cleaned and waiting for the parts. I suppose I should be grateful that they didn’t find a spare oil filter to put on, it would have made our trip to Murray Bridge a waste of time.

After clearing up and packing away we headed back home with thoughts of lunch at Tailem Bend on our mind. We started to head of with our escort as people wanted to know we were going to make it. Along the way back our thoughts went out to a caravan that was on the side of the road after a mishap that caused him to loose its wheel. What a wonderful club we have found ourselves in.

A deep and thoughtful thanks goes out to everyone there. Everyone helped in their own way to make the weekend a special one. A lot of other stuff happened over the weekend but I wasn’t there to see it so you'll have to find out for your selves.

John H

Yes it could happen to you!



Disclaimer : please note