At the gd vibes festival I met this awesome guy called adam. He invited me to a BBQ on thursday. SO I went over, his brother was there with two mates, his girlfriend - a real sweet, young stocky Kiwi girl - only blessed 17yrs age and an older guy called travis. Adam & gf met me at bus stop and took me in to their house, which is a real nice place, his parents are on hols - and so hes having bbqs. This travis guy was funny - an ex-junky, gone to rehab, but a good guy nonetheless. The house was like a grander version of our house. His bro and mates left after some funny convos and we played poker all night. Adam is a chef and cooks brilliant meals, grows his own vegetables, and shows me these possoms(creatures like their versions of squirrells) WHICH ARE REALLY QUITE BIG, and one gave him a bite latyer that night - they want to eat his vegetables. The next day we planned a venture out to the mountains where we caught these prawn like creaures that adam made a pasta out of. It was beautiful cool air, great views - like being up in the blue mountains, except with little creeks where we dangled pieces of ham from ropes to catch the prawn-like things (their names escape me) - their called YABBIE's - look em up! Their delicious. It was me, adam, ashley(gf) & travis. It was one of the best few days - I was getting free dlicious meals - he cooked fantastic breakfasts - egg benidict - amazing!! I dont no what ive done to deserve it. LEaving them today - im writing this from their comp - and plan to go to bris, and then fly sydney. Thats the plan.
Much love, tomx
Friday 27 February 2009
Wednesday 25 February 2009
26th feb
All sorts of crazy things happening... People always leaving, new faces arriving, a pair of new guys in room who are crazy guys, bringing swedish girls into rooms at all hours of the night!! Crazy madness. Boss of hostel seems to be wanker though - really great guy who worked here called chris, worked his ass off, finished recently, wanted to stay a week, but the boss wouldnt allow the extra day, even though Chris said he would pay for it - massive blowout in garden, I was witness, calling each other dirty words - "you gonna take a swing at me". ANyway, much type fast - my life, staying till sunday, then train to brisbane on sunday - then booked flight on wednesday to sydney - running out of money, so gonna work, get RSA and work the bars/restaurants - wana work at jazz joints, massive in sydney these places - also influenced from reading On The Road by Jack Kerouac!! So thats whats planned, down on the chips with me money, but shud manage as long as no mad drink binges!! IBS playing up recenlty - can work with it! Life fast atmo, but time to relax aswell. Much luv everyone, anyonexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Tuesday 24 February 2009
24th feb
Dnt have long to type - gold coast is well fun, loads of kl party ppl at hostel. Been hanging round wit hilarious italian guy, who gets really passionate about women, and has told me his crazy theories on world,he got into a provoked argument with this crazy/hot german girl - these two german girls looked rich as hell, they had a crash with a bus in their 4x4!! ANd were stranded at hostel! that was really fiery but kl aswel,about fundamental differences between men and women. He claims many women have "prostitute mind" - but he wasnt a bigotist, i wish i had longer to describe this crazy guy. Had surfing lesson today - fun! Gd Vibes festival soooooo gd! Saw Deadmau5!!!!!!!!!!!
Gonna do that again!!!!!!!!! much luvxxxxxxx
Gonna do that again!!!!!!!!! much luvxxxxxxx
Saturday 14 February 2009
15th Feb.
The last few days have been utter madness, completly insane. No method, no fatal consequences - only a wad of cash down the drain.
So it begins; I was hunting round for a car. First was rachael, how I wish I bought her car. It was an old-type holden (which is vauxhall) that was going for $2500, but she'd bring it down to $2000. Then there was the Irish guy with his $950 XF falcon, which needed to be registered in about a month, which is an extra $200 or so. What compelled me to buy a car? I still don't know. The adventure, freedom; my plan was to take it across to the east coast for the 20th, as the festival I had to work was the 21st. Harry kept pointing out the cons far outweighed the pros. Anyway, met a girl called Heidi with Dreadlocks, her car was a Nissan Pulsar, from 1990. She was an alright girl with dreadlocks, from Perth, the car was from WA. We took it out for a test spin, I immediately reversed badly and very slowly hit a concrete pilon. It was on the soft bit on the side of the car so dented it. She had taken the thing from Perth up to Darwin and had hit a cow at night. So half the front was abit battered, the light was intact but the glass had smashed. They had another glass case in the boot, and said it wouldn't be a prob, prob wouldnt even be pulled over.
So the car went fine on the road-test, automatics are easy as hell to drive.
So the deal was finalised, I would buy it the next day. Her french boyfriend would fill it up with coolant before handing it over. It came with an atlas as well.
Me and Harry had spent most of our nights in Darwin at the cinema; saw The Wrestler, Slumdog Millionaire and Revolutionary Road - the last on the day he was leaving, depressing as hell. Anyway we saw it and he had to leave on 12th as his flight was early morn on 13th. It was raining pretty heavy. He got on a thrifty shuttle bus with some other passengers. Touching moment and all that. Now he's in sydney - he was the wise one. He left me the guitar. Hopefully to see each other in Brisbane, is how we left it.
So the next day, Frenchie came over filled the Nissan with coolant, told me to watch the temp. gauge, make sure it didn't tick over to H(hot). I thanked him and paid a $1000, they'd reduced the price from $2000. Anyway, all the roads to the east coast were flooded, or so I heard. And I'd have to wait weeks in darwin or some bollocks. I didn't care and just decided to go down the stuart highway which goes all way down to Adelaide, back the way the Ghan came!
My plan was to either get across at Port Augusta, or go across at Alice, if the Plenty Hghway was to re-open. So I took off. The first thing that happened after a bit of a drive was that damn temp. gauge ticking over. So i stopped a few times to fill with coolant. It didn't do much, so stopped at petrol station. The guy knew a thing or two about cars and helped me out. Pulled up the trunk and took a look. The radiator was bone dry so filled up with water.
Anyway I got scootering.
Onto the stuart highway and took off, after awhile the traffic dies down, the highway starts as four-lane but quickly dies down to two, with the occassional overtaking lane for 500metres. So I came out of Darwin heading towards Katherine and Alice. Pretty soon, it was just me, the road and the occassional car. The spped limit was 130km/h! You get used to gunning it around 140 pretty soon, I even got used to 160 at a stage but then realised and slowed down. Averaging 140 I guess, dunno what m/ph that is mind. So you wizz past the towns on the map, each one nearly as hour apart probably, the sheer scale is something else! But these towns are basically a petrol pump at the most. I found that when going found the temp. gauge was fine, but when slowing down to stop it went right up. I left bout midday, probs 1 or 2. Got to Katherine for 7:30. This was bigger town, lots of Abo's. I had brought bit of bread, tuna and some dried fruit with me. I had dinner in car. I kept going - which was a mistake. It got dark pretty fast. The next stop was Martaranka. The old temp. gauge ticked over when slowed down. I would go to a mechanic the next day. Driving at dark is shit scary, I must have killed 100 frogs and was petrified of a cow maneouvering itself out.
So found a nice motel, $80 for the night! Whilst in Katherine there was BAckpackers! Anyway it was pouring iot down. I only got two pairs of shoes and my blues ones got soaked through.
I stopped at the bar/restaurant bit, which was nice, there was some another gang of aussies, having beers and laughs. I had couple of beers, whilst waiting for the rain to die down. The family who ran the motel all came out and had a roast. It was real nice. A cute girl came out who was the daughter of the women who ran it. I had all sorts of revelations; thinking how this was their everyday life, whilst I was at my home in UK, they was living out in this wilderness! Amazing. Rain backed down, got into car and drove round to room. Had shower, put on some crap Jackie Chan film and went to sleep, set alarm for 6:30 next day to awake. I felt like the travelling had really begin; the sort of feeling you get which is mix of excitement and nerves; its all mixed with the scared truth of the unforesseable future. Anyway, happy I slept. Nothing, though, nothing could prepare me for what would happen the next day.
I was dozing till about 7:30. Got my stuff together, got changed, into car and went and paid at reception. Had light breakie and went to see Mechanic along town. Told him the problem. Every time I stopped the radiator started spurting red-hot dirty water and steam out of vent. I told all this, he filled up the radiator with water, like petrol boy had done, gave me a couple bucket things of water to put in trunk and advised me to fill out every 20km, or at least have a look at her. He told me to get it fixed in tennant cos he couldn't touch radiators or something.
So it was alright for awhile. It was an average of 70km to next town stop. Stopped at each one, and gave her water. Met trucker at Dunmarra, he was good fat bloke, looked bit like a trimmed santa clause with his white beard. He told me way I could get across to Brisbane. He knew exactly where the roads would be flooded. I filled her up; spent altogether bout $100 on gas so far. Stopped at ELiot, filled up radiator, whilst some lonely Abo guy came to talk. After Eliot the desert begins, out of nowhere the arid soil of Alice was back; but its the only desert with so much grennery, green shrubbery, grass, tress. Pretty flat land. They'd be swamps every now and then; Adelaide river which was a sight, a prety powerful beast, that whizzed by. I was driving with window down to keep me concentrating, sunglasses on, gum, and when needed lift, sloshed down a red bull. It was kinda fun at first, gets real monotomous, bored and I'd only just begun. Didnt bother with A/C as takes up fuel. Radio didnt bother, for one thing no stations and had my boom bucket on seat next to me which i'd been blasting out trance music the day before. I stopped quick hard a few times and it had taken bit of a bump against glove compartment.
By this stage Ipod battery had run out. So the only music, the roaring of the wind in my ears, as she gunned 140 down highway.
I stopped at place called Rennie Springs, again just a gast station, had tuna sandwich lunch. Nice dutch girl at counter said I'd manage to get to Tennant Creek with half a tank, it was 130 km away, so though better to ask. This is where I stopped to make some notes of voyage in my journal.
I took off. At times it fills like your flying, the speeds are good. Some lovely views, rock fomrations rose in the distance. The signs which freaked me the most were the "WARNING - UNFENCED ROAD. BEWARE WANDERING STOCK" - I took it about 120, round these bits. Its amazing when 100 feels slow. Anyway, the sun was bearing down and a heat wave was all across the road. It had been for a few hours. Forgot to mention - the heatwave looks like water sometimes, which I slowed down for as the day before when driving to Mataranka, I hit some flood water, slowed down to bout 100, but sill felt it. Im sure the tires didnt enjoy.
The most amazing effect is when theres a heatwave right at the end of what u can see of the road ahead, and it goes the same colour as the sky so it looks road just flows into thwe sky, and there green shrubbery fading either side of the road, just fading into the distance and replenishing itself as you drive.
Anyway, the road started feeling real soft. It started rising and undultaing, arrow signs warning of sharp turns. These werent sharp but very gentle. I was still down to about 100, and enjoying looking out at the view of the desert at the top of these rises. Anyway noticed a green nissan sprtscar behind me, one of those fast-and-furious car-types. I sped up, doing about 140 and he still overtook me. I felt like I hadnt really been driving and was too cautious. So I took her up to 160, but was still thinking, don't just follow that guy, he'll get himself killed - and seeing scenarios in my head, where i'd see the green car in a heap of rubble on the side of the road. Anyway, he had taken off so fast was unable tosee. I was still gunning her at 160, the road feeling softer and softer. I shudda known.
Then it happened. Suddenly the car went out of car and was skidding, as I was going at 160! It went flying to my right, whilst I grappled with her - did 360 in the dirt, which luckily took alot of the mementum out went straight on the dirt and stopped before small tree. The only thing I was thinking was "dont roll over" - I almost expected it to do so after my last experience. There wasnt a scratch on me. As the window was open heaps of this dusty arid soil was all over me and the inside the car. I was lucky to be alive. I got out to assess. The back tire had gone, there were bits of rubber all over the road behind me. The front tire was bit buggered as well. I was about 30km from Rennie. A trucker approached, I waved him down. He had a look, I explained, he said I was lucky not to be a statistic. I got all my stuff out, loaded it in his truck and he took me to Rennie. I didnt no what to do. He was a funny guy from melbourne, long white hair, and wearing funny goggles. He kept telling me stuff about how heavy the snow falls. I was more in shock, couldn't really understand him. He told me someone above must like me. So back at Rennie - told the dutch girl what had happened. Got me stuff off. Luckily there was a guy who had been working on the roads but had the week off. He had all the road gear and was gonna help me, he gave me much needed bear. He just seemed to be drinking all the time. He was only a young guy, 27, blondie, and we got on well. He took me to car to have alook. We took off crappy tire, put on spare tire and then took off front, went back to rennie to pump it up and then back to car. She, somehow still went. He pulled her back b4 getting front tyre off mind. Anyway, he gave me advice to stick to 80km/h till got to Tennant, which was till 100k away. HE said even if lost another tyre, going at 80 I wouldnt loose control. He had look at radiator, just said it needed clean and take off cap completly to help it cool. Well I thanked him and went, aticking to 80. After bout 20k temp. was right up to H again. I stopped and tried to fill up radiator. Steam was coming off her and the engine now as well. EVery time I put in some cool water, the radiator would take it down for awhile but then would shout it all out, followed by hot steam. I went another 20k and same thing happend. This time aload of steam came off engine. I thought it wasnt worth it, the engine was gonna blow. After trying to fill her up with water I decided no more, needed to leave some for me as I was stopped in middle of nowhere, with no cars coming, not even truckers. It about half five now and I sat in the shade of the car to the left. I had 2 red bull cans, enough bread and apricots for ahwile and some water. I resisted the need to panic, I knew a car would come along sooner or later. I was ready to go either way, back to Rennie where their was a motel, or forward to Tennant. After bout 10mins a britz campervan came going to tennant. I stuck my thumb out, they flew past at first, but then saw I was in trouble, they stopped and reversed, asking have you broken down. I told them the thing had gone, I needed a lift to Tennant where I'd find a hostel. They agreed to help me. They were a lovely Irish couple. Once moved all my stuff in back of their camper, I went to move car off road and into desert abit. It was the right choice, the damn thing wouldnt even start this time. So the irish guy pushed it as i wheeled it down into pathway.
It was a far-distance to tennant, and I was exhausted. They were trying out camping and were only here for a 5-week holiday. Werent expecting me!
We got to tennant, which is good, cos its alot bigger, a sort of proper town. Its like a long-thin town like berko, but run down, with grafiti, Abo bums everywhere, bits of yard for sale, closed down shops, few banks and newsagents and a small supermarket. Anyway, I got to a backpackers, which is an alright place. They guy who runs it comes across as racist. It got everything you need. Theres a bar acriss the road. WhichI had a few drinks at last night.
So yes I was pushing her too fast, but I had no idea that was gonna happen. Thats $1000 down drain not to mention petrol money, oh well, you live you learn. And i was lucky to be alive.
So I've bought some food, the hostel is cheap, but my plan is to carry on-its all one can do right, as in try and see if they're any flights going from nearest airport which is ALice(ill need to bus there) to the Gold Coast so I can get to festival and work. I believe harry arrived fine in sydney.
But Im not hurt just shaken - so no worrys. If flights are ridiculous I can book a greyhound to gold coast, at least then I'd be able to see stuff, but Im probs gonna stick to flying.
Anyway, a real whirlwind of events, Im gonna go cook up my lunch once walked back to hostel. But thats whats happened in an incredably short amount of time the whole things fucked. Well, hell, the short amount of time driving was fun, but theres no way im driving here again. The great people who helped me out made it an experience. But this is travelling - its all part of the package. I just want things to slow down now, which they have. Well, whatever, things will get back on track now.
Thats whats happened.
So it begins; I was hunting round for a car. First was rachael, how I wish I bought her car. It was an old-type holden (which is vauxhall) that was going for $2500, but she'd bring it down to $2000. Then there was the Irish guy with his $950 XF falcon, which needed to be registered in about a month, which is an extra $200 or so. What compelled me to buy a car? I still don't know. The adventure, freedom; my plan was to take it across to the east coast for the 20th, as the festival I had to work was the 21st. Harry kept pointing out the cons far outweighed the pros. Anyway, met a girl called Heidi with Dreadlocks, her car was a Nissan Pulsar, from 1990. She was an alright girl with dreadlocks, from Perth, the car was from WA. We took it out for a test spin, I immediately reversed badly and very slowly hit a concrete pilon. It was on the soft bit on the side of the car so dented it. She had taken the thing from Perth up to Darwin and had hit a cow at night. So half the front was abit battered, the light was intact but the glass had smashed. They had another glass case in the boot, and said it wouldn't be a prob, prob wouldnt even be pulled over.
So the car went fine on the road-test, automatics are easy as hell to drive.
So the deal was finalised, I would buy it the next day. Her french boyfriend would fill it up with coolant before handing it over. It came with an atlas as well.
Me and Harry had spent most of our nights in Darwin at the cinema; saw The Wrestler, Slumdog Millionaire and Revolutionary Road - the last on the day he was leaving, depressing as hell. Anyway we saw it and he had to leave on 12th as his flight was early morn on 13th. It was raining pretty heavy. He got on a thrifty shuttle bus with some other passengers. Touching moment and all that. Now he's in sydney - he was the wise one. He left me the guitar. Hopefully to see each other in Brisbane, is how we left it.
So the next day, Frenchie came over filled the Nissan with coolant, told me to watch the temp. gauge, make sure it didn't tick over to H(hot). I thanked him and paid a $1000, they'd reduced the price from $2000. Anyway, all the roads to the east coast were flooded, or so I heard. And I'd have to wait weeks in darwin or some bollocks. I didn't care and just decided to go down the stuart highway which goes all way down to Adelaide, back the way the Ghan came!
My plan was to either get across at Port Augusta, or go across at Alice, if the Plenty Hghway was to re-open. So I took off. The first thing that happened after a bit of a drive was that damn temp. gauge ticking over. So i stopped a few times to fill with coolant. It didn't do much, so stopped at petrol station. The guy knew a thing or two about cars and helped me out. Pulled up the trunk and took a look. The radiator was bone dry so filled up with water.
Anyway I got scootering.
Onto the stuart highway and took off, after awhile the traffic dies down, the highway starts as four-lane but quickly dies down to two, with the occassional overtaking lane for 500metres. So I came out of Darwin heading towards Katherine and Alice. Pretty soon, it was just me, the road and the occassional car. The spped limit was 130km/h! You get used to gunning it around 140 pretty soon, I even got used to 160 at a stage but then realised and slowed down. Averaging 140 I guess, dunno what m/ph that is mind. So you wizz past the towns on the map, each one nearly as hour apart probably, the sheer scale is something else! But these towns are basically a petrol pump at the most. I found that when going found the temp. gauge was fine, but when slowing down to stop it went right up. I left bout midday, probs 1 or 2. Got to Katherine for 7:30. This was bigger town, lots of Abo's. I had brought bit of bread, tuna and some dried fruit with me. I had dinner in car. I kept going - which was a mistake. It got dark pretty fast. The next stop was Martaranka. The old temp. gauge ticked over when slowed down. I would go to a mechanic the next day. Driving at dark is shit scary, I must have killed 100 frogs and was petrified of a cow maneouvering itself out.
So found a nice motel, $80 for the night! Whilst in Katherine there was BAckpackers! Anyway it was pouring iot down. I only got two pairs of shoes and my blues ones got soaked through.
I stopped at the bar/restaurant bit, which was nice, there was some another gang of aussies, having beers and laughs. I had couple of beers, whilst waiting for the rain to die down. The family who ran the motel all came out and had a roast. It was real nice. A cute girl came out who was the daughter of the women who ran it. I had all sorts of revelations; thinking how this was their everyday life, whilst I was at my home in UK, they was living out in this wilderness! Amazing. Rain backed down, got into car and drove round to room. Had shower, put on some crap Jackie Chan film and went to sleep, set alarm for 6:30 next day to awake. I felt like the travelling had really begin; the sort of feeling you get which is mix of excitement and nerves; its all mixed with the scared truth of the unforesseable future. Anyway, happy I slept. Nothing, though, nothing could prepare me for what would happen the next day.
I was dozing till about 7:30. Got my stuff together, got changed, into car and went and paid at reception. Had light breakie and went to see Mechanic along town. Told him the problem. Every time I stopped the radiator started spurting red-hot dirty water and steam out of vent. I told all this, he filled up the radiator with water, like petrol boy had done, gave me a couple bucket things of water to put in trunk and advised me to fill out every 20km, or at least have a look at her. He told me to get it fixed in tennant cos he couldn't touch radiators or something.
So it was alright for awhile. It was an average of 70km to next town stop. Stopped at each one, and gave her water. Met trucker at Dunmarra, he was good fat bloke, looked bit like a trimmed santa clause with his white beard. He told me way I could get across to Brisbane. He knew exactly where the roads would be flooded. I filled her up; spent altogether bout $100 on gas so far. Stopped at ELiot, filled up radiator, whilst some lonely Abo guy came to talk. After Eliot the desert begins, out of nowhere the arid soil of Alice was back; but its the only desert with so much grennery, green shrubbery, grass, tress. Pretty flat land. They'd be swamps every now and then; Adelaide river which was a sight, a prety powerful beast, that whizzed by. I was driving with window down to keep me concentrating, sunglasses on, gum, and when needed lift, sloshed down a red bull. It was kinda fun at first, gets real monotomous, bored and I'd only just begun. Didnt bother with A/C as takes up fuel. Radio didnt bother, for one thing no stations and had my boom bucket on seat next to me which i'd been blasting out trance music the day before. I stopped quick hard a few times and it had taken bit of a bump against glove compartment.
By this stage Ipod battery had run out. So the only music, the roaring of the wind in my ears, as she gunned 140 down highway.
I stopped at place called Rennie Springs, again just a gast station, had tuna sandwich lunch. Nice dutch girl at counter said I'd manage to get to Tennant Creek with half a tank, it was 130 km away, so though better to ask. This is where I stopped to make some notes of voyage in my journal.
I took off. At times it fills like your flying, the speeds are good. Some lovely views, rock fomrations rose in the distance. The signs which freaked me the most were the "WARNING - UNFENCED ROAD. BEWARE WANDERING STOCK" - I took it about 120, round these bits. Its amazing when 100 feels slow. Anyway, the sun was bearing down and a heat wave was all across the road. It had been for a few hours. Forgot to mention - the heatwave looks like water sometimes, which I slowed down for as the day before when driving to Mataranka, I hit some flood water, slowed down to bout 100, but sill felt it. Im sure the tires didnt enjoy.
The most amazing effect is when theres a heatwave right at the end of what u can see of the road ahead, and it goes the same colour as the sky so it looks road just flows into thwe sky, and there green shrubbery fading either side of the road, just fading into the distance and replenishing itself as you drive.
Anyway, the road started feeling real soft. It started rising and undultaing, arrow signs warning of sharp turns. These werent sharp but very gentle. I was still down to about 100, and enjoying looking out at the view of the desert at the top of these rises. Anyway noticed a green nissan sprtscar behind me, one of those fast-and-furious car-types. I sped up, doing about 140 and he still overtook me. I felt like I hadnt really been driving and was too cautious. So I took her up to 160, but was still thinking, don't just follow that guy, he'll get himself killed - and seeing scenarios in my head, where i'd see the green car in a heap of rubble on the side of the road. Anyway, he had taken off so fast was unable tosee. I was still gunning her at 160, the road feeling softer and softer. I shudda known.
Then it happened. Suddenly the car went out of car and was skidding, as I was going at 160! It went flying to my right, whilst I grappled with her - did 360 in the dirt, which luckily took alot of the mementum out went straight on the dirt and stopped before small tree. The only thing I was thinking was "dont roll over" - I almost expected it to do so after my last experience. There wasnt a scratch on me. As the window was open heaps of this dusty arid soil was all over me and the inside the car. I was lucky to be alive. I got out to assess. The back tire had gone, there were bits of rubber all over the road behind me. The front tire was bit buggered as well. I was about 30km from Rennie. A trucker approached, I waved him down. He had a look, I explained, he said I was lucky not to be a statistic. I got all my stuff out, loaded it in his truck and he took me to Rennie. I didnt no what to do. He was a funny guy from melbourne, long white hair, and wearing funny goggles. He kept telling me stuff about how heavy the snow falls. I was more in shock, couldn't really understand him. He told me someone above must like me. So back at Rennie - told the dutch girl what had happened. Got me stuff off. Luckily there was a guy who had been working on the roads but had the week off. He had all the road gear and was gonna help me, he gave me much needed bear. He just seemed to be drinking all the time. He was only a young guy, 27, blondie, and we got on well. He took me to car to have alook. We took off crappy tire, put on spare tire and then took off front, went back to rennie to pump it up and then back to car. She, somehow still went. He pulled her back b4 getting front tyre off mind. Anyway, he gave me advice to stick to 80km/h till got to Tennant, which was till 100k away. HE said even if lost another tyre, going at 80 I wouldnt loose control. He had look at radiator, just said it needed clean and take off cap completly to help it cool. Well I thanked him and went, aticking to 80. After bout 20k temp. was right up to H again. I stopped and tried to fill up radiator. Steam was coming off her and the engine now as well. EVery time I put in some cool water, the radiator would take it down for awhile but then would shout it all out, followed by hot steam. I went another 20k and same thing happend. This time aload of steam came off engine. I thought it wasnt worth it, the engine was gonna blow. After trying to fill her up with water I decided no more, needed to leave some for me as I was stopped in middle of nowhere, with no cars coming, not even truckers. It about half five now and I sat in the shade of the car to the left. I had 2 red bull cans, enough bread and apricots for ahwile and some water. I resisted the need to panic, I knew a car would come along sooner or later. I was ready to go either way, back to Rennie where their was a motel, or forward to Tennant. After bout 10mins a britz campervan came going to tennant. I stuck my thumb out, they flew past at first, but then saw I was in trouble, they stopped and reversed, asking have you broken down. I told them the thing had gone, I needed a lift to Tennant where I'd find a hostel. They agreed to help me. They were a lovely Irish couple. Once moved all my stuff in back of their camper, I went to move car off road and into desert abit. It was the right choice, the damn thing wouldnt even start this time. So the irish guy pushed it as i wheeled it down into pathway.
It was a far-distance to tennant, and I was exhausted. They were trying out camping and were only here for a 5-week holiday. Werent expecting me!
We got to tennant, which is good, cos its alot bigger, a sort of proper town. Its like a long-thin town like berko, but run down, with grafiti, Abo bums everywhere, bits of yard for sale, closed down shops, few banks and newsagents and a small supermarket. Anyway, I got to a backpackers, which is an alright place. They guy who runs it comes across as racist. It got everything you need. Theres a bar acriss the road. WhichI had a few drinks at last night.
So yes I was pushing her too fast, but I had no idea that was gonna happen. Thats $1000 down drain not to mention petrol money, oh well, you live you learn. And i was lucky to be alive.
So I've bought some food, the hostel is cheap, but my plan is to carry on-its all one can do right, as in try and see if they're any flights going from nearest airport which is ALice(ill need to bus there) to the Gold Coast so I can get to festival and work. I believe harry arrived fine in sydney.
But Im not hurt just shaken - so no worrys. If flights are ridiculous I can book a greyhound to gold coast, at least then I'd be able to see stuff, but Im probs gonna stick to flying.
Anyway, a real whirlwind of events, Im gonna go cook up my lunch once walked back to hostel. But thats whats happened in an incredably short amount of time the whole things fucked. Well, hell, the short amount of time driving was fun, but theres no way im driving here again. The great people who helped me out made it an experience. But this is travelling - its all part of the package. I just want things to slow down now, which they have. Well, whatever, things will get back on track now.
Thats whats happened.
Wednesday 11 February 2009
12th Feb.
Okay so i havn't blogged for awhile, but alot has happened. I did the quad-biking which was great fun, I was tearing up the roads. Surprisingly it was with an old couple who were behind me, I kept slowing down loads on the straights so I could accelerate loads!! The guy who took us was basically a drover and took us to one of the waterholes that they ffed the cattle at. The flies were just swarming me whenever you got off the quads. They were 330c.c. so quite impressive. The guy who took us round was a tall, cowboy-type, not redneck tho, friendly, wearing jeans and cool boots. His mate who picked us up from train was a funny guy who had it out for the pommies. Then back to train station to pick up harry and dash into Alice Springs. The cowboy-type, Mike, came by and said he'd give us a lift to a hostel he recommended. I said we'd already called a cab. Bit of a bugger. The hostel was called Annies Place. It probs the best one we've stayed in. It had air-con, tv in room, restaurant and bar area, apparently on the first night some guy had broken into bar after it shut and stole alcohol! Anyway we pretty much got to the room and were invaded by three english girls. Two of them fat and ugly, and one which I hadn't noticed till later was a pretty gone little gal. Her name was Donna, kinda cuty. The hostel also had pool. We ate, and those girls came back later at night, once I'd found this really cool black cat, (which donna claimed was hers) and they said come out to some pub, infact the only late night pub in area. I didn't leave straight away, but did in hour or such. The pub was alright, quite alot of abo's. One of which looked like he was out for a fight. Lets call him Bob(cos thers more on him). Anyway was talking to donna for abit who was smashed. I got pretty drunk. Met some guy from NZ who decided to go to casino with. He payed for taxi. I got in, went to get some money out then they threw me out!! Too drunk...
Outside that Bob had got kicked out and was walking aggressively with his five sisters around. Some fat geezer got kicked out and said the wrong thing to Bobs sisters, Bob squared up. No fight tho. I met this vicky girl outside, she got taxi with me back. Again she paid for it. I said I owed her a drink, and had every intention of buying her one, but she didn't reply to my txt when sent one nxt day. Weird, when got back, thers a code for front of hostel, forgot it, but harry opened for me. he'd been waiting, apparently i sent txt saying im scared some guy looks like hes gonna take my money" - and then didn't reply for ages. This was bad, poor guy was worried. Anyway had to get up at 6nxt morn for uluru. Phone ran out of battery, and camera out of pics, so no picsa of uluru. With quite big group. Flies incessant, but rock was beautiful, also went to see Olgas, which were a sight. They provided food. We had sunset bbq watching uluru. Wasn't as spectacular as hoped. Then we got taken to some motel for the night, we'd payed for a 2-day tour. Motel was alright. 2nd day commenced. Much smaller group, old english couple and a pair of korean/japo tourists, who loved harry, thinking he looked asian! This time got fly-net-hat, which harry had wisely bought day b4.
Went to see Kings Canyon. Very impressive. Tour guide very concerned about heat exhaustion so we didn't do main long walk, but still went up cliff-face where i got some gd pics. Then took us to nice little spring. Very enjoyable day, close-group so good atmosphere, less of us and whatnot. Then back to hostel, dosed around nxt day and then left for Darwin. We got river cruise at Katherine, which harry said he preferered to uluru, which he also greatly enjoyed. It was exhilarating, got a bit wet. I twas like a long speed boat thing. Got some great pics of Gorge. Then back to the Ghan(train). Next stop Darwin. Got cheap shuttle bus into darwin. I don't like darwin nearly as much as Adelaide. The buildings are tacky and its too much like construction site/ touristy hotels. The road we're on is hostel road with bars and eateries on. Its got none of Adelaide's seductive beauty. Harry says he prefers it though. Havnt been drinking since here as IBS was hurting. Found spicy food really good for IBS! We've mainly been going to cinema in evenings to pass time, playing footy on park in day. I sorted out bank account for job festival. Decided Im gona buy cheap car, as harrys leaving later today and Im gonna do Kakadu for 1 day, and then leave and drive all way to Gold coast for festival, need to get there before 21st, should be fine! Theres plenty of cars on sale, ill prob get a cheaper one, which ill need to register again for 6months, but onli costs $220. I just prefer the freedom of having car, rather than airplaning eveywhere. Plus ill see alot more.
Harrys going later, so hopefully meet again in Brisbane. Hes still going sydney because he can get his ipod fixed there, which only works when chargers plugged in for some reason. And the charger belongs to me. I need to make sure this car will past test first tho b4 buying. Because if three things are no good then ill hav to pay for repaisrs. So may be worth buying a more expensive car thats registered for longer. Anway Im meeting guy today to see his XF falcon, which is up for only $950. But it has rto be registered again soon. But will have good examine. Shame I don't have a mechanic with me...
Thats was quite brash and fast but im running out of time at this internet cafe so had to be quick. Muchluv to allxxx My joruney will be Darwin tio gold coast and I plan to go around coast as plenty of gas stations along way, if I cut into center may not be enough gas or whatever, so may be doggy. Anyway, thats my plan.
To everyone, muchluvxxx O ye and im not going to victoria in a hurry!
Outside that Bob had got kicked out and was walking aggressively with his five sisters around. Some fat geezer got kicked out and said the wrong thing to Bobs sisters, Bob squared up. No fight tho. I met this vicky girl outside, she got taxi with me back. Again she paid for it. I said I owed her a drink, and had every intention of buying her one, but she didn't reply to my txt when sent one nxt day. Weird, when got back, thers a code for front of hostel, forgot it, but harry opened for me. he'd been waiting, apparently i sent txt saying im scared some guy looks like hes gonna take my money" - and then didn't reply for ages. This was bad, poor guy was worried. Anyway had to get up at 6nxt morn for uluru. Phone ran out of battery, and camera out of pics, so no picsa of uluru. With quite big group. Flies incessant, but rock was beautiful, also went to see Olgas, which were a sight. They provided food. We had sunset bbq watching uluru. Wasn't as spectacular as hoped. Then we got taken to some motel for the night, we'd payed for a 2-day tour. Motel was alright. 2nd day commenced. Much smaller group, old english couple and a pair of korean/japo tourists, who loved harry, thinking he looked asian! This time got fly-net-hat, which harry had wisely bought day b4.
Went to see Kings Canyon. Very impressive. Tour guide very concerned about heat exhaustion so we didn't do main long walk, but still went up cliff-face where i got some gd pics. Then took us to nice little spring. Very enjoyable day, close-group so good atmosphere, less of us and whatnot. Then back to hostel, dosed around nxt day and then left for Darwin. We got river cruise at Katherine, which harry said he preferered to uluru, which he also greatly enjoyed. It was exhilarating, got a bit wet. I twas like a long speed boat thing. Got some great pics of Gorge. Then back to the Ghan(train). Next stop Darwin. Got cheap shuttle bus into darwin. I don't like darwin nearly as much as Adelaide. The buildings are tacky and its too much like construction site/ touristy hotels. The road we're on is hostel road with bars and eateries on. Its got none of Adelaide's seductive beauty. Harry says he prefers it though. Havnt been drinking since here as IBS was hurting. Found spicy food really good for IBS! We've mainly been going to cinema in evenings to pass time, playing footy on park in day. I sorted out bank account for job festival. Decided Im gona buy cheap car, as harrys leaving later today and Im gonna do Kakadu for 1 day, and then leave and drive all way to Gold coast for festival, need to get there before 21st, should be fine! Theres plenty of cars on sale, ill prob get a cheaper one, which ill need to register again for 6months, but onli costs $220. I just prefer the freedom of having car, rather than airplaning eveywhere. Plus ill see alot more.
Harrys going later, so hopefully meet again in Brisbane. Hes still going sydney because he can get his ipod fixed there, which only works when chargers plugged in for some reason. And the charger belongs to me. I need to make sure this car will past test first tho b4 buying. Because if three things are no good then ill hav to pay for repaisrs. So may be worth buying a more expensive car thats registered for longer. Anway Im meeting guy today to see his XF falcon, which is up for only $950. But it has rto be registered again soon. But will have good examine. Shame I don't have a mechanic with me...
Thats was quite brash and fast but im running out of time at this internet cafe so had to be quick. Muchluv to allxxx My joruney will be Darwin tio gold coast and I plan to go around coast as plenty of gas stations along way, if I cut into center may not be enough gas or whatever, so may be doggy. Anyway, thats my plan.
To everyone, muchluvxxx O ye and im not going to victoria in a hurry!
Monday 2 February 2009
Adelaide and such...
Thanks Dan. Weird story on that one. The beard and the goatee went; Frankie's regulations at the adult shop were to be clean-shaven. I didn't really do it because of that but because I wanted to, so for awhile I looked as youthful as you! Me and harry both got a haircut aswell! So my hairs shorter, Oh and we got this german girl to die it black, harrys bluey-black, but it looks well kl. My beard is definately up-and-going now tho, although its not a beard yet, but Im just letting it grow full-on this time - i plan to look like a bum so nothing dodgy happens to me in Thailand!
And to father, I've managed to get me and harry a stay at Alice Springs for 4 days, so we can take in the mighty Uluru. Then on the 9th we're back up to Darwin, arriving on the 10th.
Whats going on?: I didnt think I would be able to get work at Good Vibrations, but they got back to me saying that their were jobs available in recycling! Hell, I don't care the festival would be worth it. Their looking for more workers so Ill see if Harry wants to do it. It'll be on the 21st on the gold coast so need to get a flight from Darwin sorted. Website link is: http://www.gvf.com.au/goldcoast.
Theres some great dance-bands, me and has both luv deadmau5!!!
Anyway about Darwin, when I went to doctors (to pick up subscription pills for IBS, which set me back $60!) she said Darwin is hot as here (45 degrees) but is 100% humid, so things are constantly wet, easy to pick up infections as well so prob wont want to stay too long!
On the train from Adelaide to Alice you can book tours, stuff like Quad-biking which Im def doing! And From ALice to Darwin you stop at place called Katherine for while where Im gonna do Caneoing and such.
About Adeliade: Nice place, its got a cool market which me and has checked out.
Theres free rental on bikes at hostel, so I followed a suggested (by hostel guy) trip along the river which ends up at Henley Beach, lovely beach, not very touristy - lots of black people, very black and speaking another language, perhaps the ghetoo is near there.
The ride really took it out of me, about 2 hours in the peak heat because I left about 2. Theres really nice visuals along river tho, lots of greenery and some shade. I swam and ate fish and chips at beach, harrys lazy so didnt come, he doesnt like beaches so much.
Way back was easier at first because cooler, but it got really dark and I got lost and came to place caqlled Hackney, managed to get back on ride but was stopped by a cop! He was a nice enough guy luckily from wales, but apparently its illegal to ride without helmet - he let me go on a "verbal warning". But it really killed me, my leg muscles were dying and my throat haws never been so parched. It was all fun tho, and I slept well that night.
The hostel kindda chilled, me and has went out to pub to watch footie, I got bit pissed last night and finished all my wine. We've packed all our stuff today-
I almost forgot, my bag is so heavy I threw out aload of clothes. All the socks, which were stupid thing to bring, some underwear, one of the t-shirts my rents sent, I dont no why I let you convince me I needed more t-shirts mum! Less really is more on these ventures - and lastly I threw out my towell, I've got another nicer one that I bought anyway, and its just loading up my stuff.
Apart from that, lovely weather again, a bit cooler now.
I hear its torrential snow in the uk, enjoy the snow-days.
Everything else seems fine and dandy, so enjoy the blog, whoever you are reading and wherever your from...
much love tomx
And to father, I've managed to get me and harry a stay at Alice Springs for 4 days, so we can take in the mighty Uluru. Then on the 9th we're back up to Darwin, arriving on the 10th.
Whats going on?: I didnt think I would be able to get work at Good Vibrations, but they got back to me saying that their were jobs available in recycling! Hell, I don't care the festival would be worth it. Their looking for more workers so Ill see if Harry wants to do it. It'll be on the 21st on the gold coast so need to get a flight from Darwin sorted. Website link is: http://www.gvf.com.au/goldcoast.
Theres some great dance-bands, me and has both luv deadmau5!!!
Anyway about Darwin, when I went to doctors (to pick up subscription pills for IBS, which set me back $60!) she said Darwin is hot as here (45 degrees) but is 100% humid, so things are constantly wet, easy to pick up infections as well so prob wont want to stay too long!
On the train from Adelaide to Alice you can book tours, stuff like Quad-biking which Im def doing! And From ALice to Darwin you stop at place called Katherine for while where Im gonna do Caneoing and such.
About Adeliade: Nice place, its got a cool market which me and has checked out.
Theres free rental on bikes at hostel, so I followed a suggested (by hostel guy) trip along the river which ends up at Henley Beach, lovely beach, not very touristy - lots of black people, very black and speaking another language, perhaps the ghetoo is near there.
The ride really took it out of me, about 2 hours in the peak heat because I left about 2. Theres really nice visuals along river tho, lots of greenery and some shade. I swam and ate fish and chips at beach, harrys lazy so didnt come, he doesnt like beaches so much.
Way back was easier at first because cooler, but it got really dark and I got lost and came to place caqlled Hackney, managed to get back on ride but was stopped by a cop! He was a nice enough guy luckily from wales, but apparently its illegal to ride without helmet - he let me go on a "verbal warning". But it really killed me, my leg muscles were dying and my throat haws never been so parched. It was all fun tho, and I slept well that night.
The hostel kindda chilled, me and has went out to pub to watch footie, I got bit pissed last night and finished all my wine. We've packed all our stuff today-
I almost forgot, my bag is so heavy I threw out aload of clothes. All the socks, which were stupid thing to bring, some underwear, one of the t-shirts my rents sent, I dont no why I let you convince me I needed more t-shirts mum! Less really is more on these ventures - and lastly I threw out my towell, I've got another nicer one that I bought anyway, and its just loading up my stuff.
Apart from that, lovely weather again, a bit cooler now.
I hear its torrential snow in the uk, enjoy the snow-days.
Everything else seems fine and dandy, so enjoy the blog, whoever you are reading and wherever your from...
much love tomx
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