Resuming the 5th Lap

 

RESUMING THE FIFTH LAP

Embarkation II ( Days 1 - 13)

Index:  The Fifth Lap Expedition

Previous:  Pausing and returning to Sydney

Photo Album:  Embarkation to Port Wakefield

After a year ensuring the family's well-being, it was finally time to resume the paused Fifth Lap. Sandi, the trusty vehicle, had been meticulously prepared with short camping trips, a new electric rooftop air-conditioner, and a brand-new engine. After a few weeks of diligent repairs and maintenance, Sandi was Outback ready.

Initially, the plan was to head towards the Oodnadatta Track and check out the Maree Man. However, there was a growing desire to visit Melbourne to see old friends missed on the last trip and to attend a reunion of old colleagues from Labtam. As one of the four founders 59 years ago, it had been nearly 40 years since seeing some of these friends, some had since become grandparents.

The choice was simple: head south to Victoria first. Catching up with old friends and having memorable reunions with long-lost Labtam mates was a priority. The reunions took place at various locations, each occasion filled with joy and nostalgia. Stories were exchanged, memories refreshed, and old photos shared on social media—an impossibility in those early days. The payroll master even revised the my recollection of the headcount of Labtam upwards, revealing some old "secrets" and sparking moments of recognition as familiar faces emerged from the past. A few are with new hair styles!

Rekindled friendships brought hopes of future connections, particularly with a school friend of nearly 60 years. 

And then there were colleagues from as recently as 25 years ago from another company I was a key founder.  It's been an exciting time to reconnect. 

And there the wonderful tall red wood forest in Warburton, a good way to spend a sunny Sunday strolling through...

And them there is always the frosty Melbourne morning to remember till next time...

Leaving Melbourne, Sandi headed northwest, leaving the decision of visiting Maree Man until reaching Port Augusta, South Australia.

News arrived that two brand new DJI Mini 4 Pro drone replacements had arrived home, thanks to long-time friends Mary and Peter in California. Plans were made to have one posted to Ceduna P.O. for collection.

On the way, a Facebook friend, Brij, a fellow road adventurer, posted a video of Wyperfeld National Park. It was an easy decision to detour for an overnight stay, especially with favorable weather forecasts despite the current highway rain.

 At Snowdrift Campground, a quiet night was spent with the drone capturing stunning views at sunset and sunrise.

The exit track to Underbool in the north had a stretch of soft sands, but Sandi, in 4x4 mode, handled it effortlessly. 

However, an issue arose: the fuel consumption was seemingly slowly increasing. Upon inspection, it was found that the second fuel filter was weeping again, a recurring problem. The decision, was made, at the next opportunity, to bypass this add-on filter, which had been problematic since new.

Continuing the journey, Sandi met Brij in the Adelaide Hills. Brij, with his older model Fuso Canter, had built his camper from the ground up in just three months—a feat that took me18 months during Covid. 

After an overnight stay in Adelaide at my nephew's place, the journey pushed on to Port Wakefield, the gateway to Yorke Peninsula. The question of visiting Maree Man remained undecided.

.....read more

New:  

Gremlins:  Weeping secondary fuel filter seal

Grief:  NONE

Index: Table of Content

Next:  Yorke Peninsula (Dhilba-Guuranda-Innes National Park)

Previous:  Pausing 5th Lap ( 1 year ago )