Canberra - Cont.

Tuesday brought high expectations that the fabulous gearbox would arrive at Advance Tech Automotive and then be whisked away for surgery. Sadly, it never showed but was promised by TNT for the next day. Oh, well had to amuse ourselves with luncheons and playing in the park and long walks.

Wednesday: I lasted till about then before i rang about the car; they rang TNT, they called back with the news that it was definitely in Canberra but not exactly sure which delivery truck it was on. Please wait.... Called them again at 5 and very relieved to hear that it had been delivered,taken to the hospital and was currently being minutely examined by the expert. Hooray. Russell tells us that it's all organised for the pick up and return as soon as it's finished. Coupla' days...

Caught up with Roman for lunch, dragging him away from his busy and demanding schedule.
Dinner was taken with Paul&Sue who are taking notes about outback travel - if only he could finish the blasted sewing boxes, fix the ute, restore the motorbike, move the house 6" to the left etc etc

Late news: Russell from Advanced Tech Automotive called me with the news that the gearbox has been stripped down, all problems identified and all parts ordered. He gives us a realistic estimate that it will be ready for shipping from Canberra on Tuesday. We certainly hope so!

Thursday: Bit of a quiet day; while the girls went looking at bride dresses, the boys minded the children. We had dinner with all the family at Amy&Steve's and a very pleasant evening it was.

Friday: Latish start before having a cuppa with Bev&John, saying hello to Val at the house and getting a nip from Monty who let us know he was not a happy cat (with us, otherwise he looks like he's king of the castle and loving it). All too soon it was time for a few tears and a trip to the airport for the return journey to Darwin. Canberra - Sydney is almost unnoticeable, but that 4 1/2 hour leg getting in at 2345 was just all a body could stand. There's certainly no glamour involved being jammed into a cramped seat for that length of time. I was looking froward to a nice snooze but sat bolt upright the entire way. Once we get to Darwin airport everything looked 'cool' until we walked out onto of the terminal into the carpark. Bang! Welcome back. Still 25 degs and 100% humidity. Any room left by less than 100% is taken up by smoke from the burning off, which you could see widespread from the plane.

Anyhow, we enjoyed seeing you all, big hugs and kisses to Andrew, Emily & Thomas and everyone else, of course. Big extra hugs and kisses for Amy & Steve for putting us up.