Today we spent getting ourselves ready to continue our journey. Warren took the washing in to the local laundry first thing, so we could collect it at about 4pm.
Warren took the van down to Richard, who was going to put it up on the hoist to show Warren the exhaust, which is okay, but not to his preferred standard. This didn't happen, as there was another vehicle occupying the hoist, but Richard replaced the drip tray beneath the engine, and Warren was on his way.
First port of call, Mullins Tyres, who put on our new winter tyres about ten weeks ago. They checked the tensioning of the wheel nuts and the tyre pressures — all clear, so another tick on our departure checklist.
Then, of course, the van needed a good wash. There is a hand wash service almost opposite Hulin's, so that's where he took it — and just as well, as when he pulled out, he found that there was no power steering — and the van is ver-r-r-ry heavy without it! But as he was virtually opposite Hulin's, guess where the next port of call was!
By this time, Suzie had decided to pick up the laundry — thank goodness!
Turns our that a connection in the power steering line had given way, and all the power steering fluid had drained out! Two hours later, and Warren and the van arrived at McDonalds, where Suzie was catching up on Facebook. We went back to Friar Tuck's for a good night's sleep. Richard had left the drip tray off again, as he wanted us to do a drive in the morning, and bring the van back to him at lunchtime for a final check and to get the tray put back on. This made us think that it might be a good idea to remain with Mark and Sharon for an extra day, and not leave Gloucester until January 4. So that's the plan!
If anyone has the urge to knit for the 'fish 'n' chips' babies, you can find a pattern here. You may need to find an Australian charity that is sending the clothing to Africa.
Distance driven — today, 4 miles ( 6 km ); to date, 10,015 miles ( 16,118 km )
No comments:
Post a Comment