Day 50: Tue 07 May 24 - Rockingham - @KJ's

Tue 07 May 24 - Rockingham - @KJ's

13 to 26 Deg C - A sunny day with very little wind. What a cracking day, and unfortunately no opportunity to take advantage of it. 


The first tow truck arrived at 0820, and transported the car to Rockingham Ford. The next tow truck - a much bigger tilt truck arrived at 0915, loaded the van with some clever manoeuvring, and took me to drop the van off at KJ's house about 10km away in Warnbro. Thank goodness for premium Road Side Service - I've certainly got my money's worth out of the membership in the past 15 months.  Unfortunately, the driver couldn't take two passengers, so our elderly caravan park neighbours kindly followed us with Noeleene in their car.  After offloading the van on the street at the front of KJ's house, Noel and I ventured out the back for a relaxing brew. KJ is away for the next week, and is kindly letting us use anything we need (priorities being coffee machine, toilet and BMW if we need, but we'll only use the car if absolutely necessary).


After unwinding with caffeine (x 2), a neighbour from the end of the street (Nick) who we met earlier, brought his Hilux up and manoeuvred the van into position off the street for us. Nick also invited us down to join him with his lovely partner Christene for a refreshment later in the afternoon. After Nick returned home, another nearby neighbour (Thelma whom we met a few nights ago) called in to check on us, then took Noeleene to buy some groceries while I finished setting up. Two other neighbours eventually dropped by to say hello and introduce themselves too. We're so overwhelmed by everyone's kindness and offers to help. After Noeleene returned at about 1:30pm, we had a light lunch and a rest. Following a few calls, including an update from Ford that they have nothing to report yet but would call back in the morning with their initial diagnosis, we made our way down to join Nick and Christene for a few drinks. They are both such a lovely couple, and it was so pleasant unwinding with good company in their garden. Both originally from Kalgoorlie, Nick is an ex road train driver and knows WA like the back of his hands. They have both travelled and camped around WA extensively, so  we've arranged to catch up again, with map, to get some WA travel tips. Back at the van, we had dinner and settled in for an early night.



On its way to Rockingham Ford for repairs - hopeful of a quick turnaround

Not how I expected to be leaving the caravan park

Next up the Caravan to be taken to my friend KJ's house until we get the car sorted. This was an interesting exercise - apparently they cannot tow the van, they have to load it onto a tilt truck. 

Hoping the chains hold the van


With 3.2m of caravan on top of a large tilt truck, and approximate 4.5m total clearance needed, low hanging tree limbs looked very threatening. The driver did a great job avoiding any damage to the caravan, at times driving onto the opposite side of the road and even mounting the footpath on the opposite side several times. 

Arrival at KJ's house - offloaded on the street, then a kind neighbour at the end of the street with a Hilux and DO35 Hitch moved the van into place off the street. 

After setting up, a breather and relaxing brew at the back of the house in the garden.

Setup at the front of KJ's house until ... 🤷


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