Day 13: Road To Tanami

After an emotional morning bidding farewell to our comrades, The Assassin and Smokin’ Jo (plenty of hugs but very masculine and no fondling), the team initiated the new drivers into the rhythm of the trip. Every day holds promise and grand ambition, only to be thwarted by mechanical catastrophe.


From an impromptu inspection of the equipment, Gal discovered the looming disaster. The seemingly prosaic issue of trailer shackle bolts rekindled a long and passionate affair between Gal and his long forgotten friend Frodo, as they greased, unbolted and fiddled their way back into a new kind of blissful bonding.


Our new friends and drivers were overwhelmed by this turn of events. The first man Chris was initially amused, but was jolted back into the harsh reality of the desert. His desire for cleanliness and order, have been evaporated by the dry Tanami air. His new identity will be Squeaky, for those entitled to know.


Our second man Graeme, a laconic and entertaining raconteur, responded by a withdrawal into Northern Territorial behaviour. His normally lively demeanor has been transformed into the fixed gaze of the long distance desert traveller.


The road from Alice lay ahead. The haunting threat of the Tanami was blunted by a new bitumen road that extended itself relentlessly into the landscape. Exhausted by the trauma of the day, the team sought refuge in an oasis at edge of oblivion.


While the team busied themselves in washing and other domestic chores, Teflon was absorbed by the local wildlife and the passing parade of silver headed bus dwellers. He was able to do this as nothing sticks, and his condition remains pristine.

From a frustrating and finally comforting day, the team contemplated the corrugated prospect that lay ahead on the Tanami.

The road that must be tamed.