Day 12: Out of Breathe

Where we encounter roads from another planet, suffer sever fatigue, witness an explosion, come to grief in the sand, watch as The Assassin and Smokin’ Jo are called away to resolve a cultural crisis in Kazakhstan, and welcome two new crew members.


After some consultation and confusion, we managed to set out from Kings Canyon although there was some debate as to our destination. Earlier, Teflon and Frodo were seen walking the Canyon at dawn, and thanks to Rebecca at the resort for your help. We immediately encountered severely corrugated roads with ditches and bumps as we started out on the Mereenie Loop.


The Assassin was traveling at breakneck speed and was advised to slow down


This however was no deterrent and there was a subsequent explosion which left us once again face down in the dust.


We continued on through the afternoon with heat and exhaustion becoming real factors.


We continued on the loop where amateur art critic, Wolverine took us past the house of Albert Namatjira.


Eventually we managed to traverse the Loop and sought refreshments with the cowboys in Hermannsburg.


A quick trip down Palm Valley where we viewed some interesting melons, team BMW came unstuck in the sand, and Gal racing to the rescue suffered a similar fate.


Arriving at the end of the first chapter in our journey in Alice Springs, we were joined by our new drivers, Graeme and Chris. They were promptly appointed as the new fine masters for the expletive free environment – today’s tally was again a healthy $38 with contributions from Gal 5, Smokin’ Jo 5, The Assasin 4, Frodo, 3, and Teflon 2. We think the educaton process is having an effect. Wolverine, Teflon, Gal, and Evel soon made their way to the hotel.


From there we made our way to the last supper and after playing Rolf Harris with the locals, the team reflected on the journey completed over the past few weeks. The morning brings the commencement of our trek across the Tanami and our most difficult challenge yet.