JABIRU – MONDAY 29/08/2011

Up early this morning, with relief for Peter D’s return last night and apprehension re state of Michael & Dot’s Prado.  Worst case scenario planning saw a need for a lengthy wait for a part and possible end to the trip.  We unpacked everything from the car that we thought we might need for the worst case scenario of a long stay in Jabiru.

John & Michael visit BP service station at 7.30am for discussion.and telephone call to Toyota – Healesville.  Toyota Service Manager initially recommending the vehicle be taken to nearest Toyota outlet – Darwin!!!!! 250+km

A visit to the bakery was essential to acquire fresh takeaway breakfast for ourselves and our wives, plus coffee and scrolls for Peter D & Sue, who were put into an air conditioned cabin or the evening on return from the medical centre.

Peter & Sue on return to their tent were greeted with much emotion by all.

Following a coaching session on options negotiating from John, and a further telephone call to Healesville Toyota [Glen] arrangements were made with BP service station to send a tow truck for picking up the Prado.  At 10.30 the Prado was collected [by a registered RANT /RACV contractor- advised service station that previous days contact with RANT indicated the service had been closed down at Jabiru and it then began a waiting game at the Kakadu Bakery for John, Lanlan, Peter, Sue Norbert & Jill M.  Finally after an hour and a half, Michael went over to get the “bad” news.

Much to Michael’s surprise the Prado’s fuel pump was primed, the vehicle started and ran without any discernible problems.  Explanation of air in fuel line, causing no fuel to motor. The BP service Manager had contacted RANT over previous day’s debacle and arranged for the tow from caravan park to garage to be covered by RANT. Spoke to RANT Mgr who had listened to the recorded conversation of yesterday and was very apologetic and going to put in a formal report on the matter.  A subsequent phone call to advise him of the flow on impact of incompetence contributing to extra hours in extreme heat causing Peter Ds medical situation.

Michael returned to the Bakery with the vehicle and provided everyone with the details.  Everyone was amazed and discussed how close to starting we possibly were.  Theories were put forward as to the tilt tray truck assisting removing the air blockage.

The swimming pool that afternoon provide relief to the high 30degrees, however Greg, Wanda, Dean & Karen went walking to Noulangi Rock.  The mosquitos and midges are loving Karen’s ankle & legs.

That evening we caught up with Colin & Denise [fellow travellers met at Cobourg peninsula].  They advised they had passed our other 2 vehicles [Tony & Peter C] leaving Cobourg.   We were told that Craig had broken his duck at the Cooper Creek stream they stopped at -  he picked up 9 barramundi – kept 2. Yesterday’s Prado problem was recanted with mechanic Colin and all methods of dealing with the problem re-explored.

Evening meals around the pool, with the wine from the previous evening consumed.  the beer battered chips and aioli sauce was very popular with all.

MJG.

Peter C Jill P, Craig, Tony and Jen left Cobourg today to meet, they stopped at Coopers creek on the way, a really lovely little spot that teemed with birdlife…..and Barramundi.  They had some time up their sleeves so they decided to throw a line in.  WOW.  Craig caught 9, Tony caught 4, all bar 3 went back into the river.  Tony informs me that he caught the biggest.   This is great for Craig who has had little luck fishing in Cobourg, broke his ‘unbreakable’ rod on the first day.

They camped at Merle tonight.  Merle is the campsite close to the East Alligator River where we stopped on the way up.