Sunday 1 December 2013

Shakedown is finished!

2/12/13
We are in Townsville. We have had a couple of refreshing days staying with Maggie in the penthouse. Lovelly breezes, great view, good company and we got the laundry done! What more could we need?  

Well the air conditioner in the truck failed a couple of days ago so we saw Fuso this morning and that is now fixed (just a fuse!).

My cousin Ron Turner, printer in Townsville (Townprint) did some decals for us, and that was the highlight of the day -getting them fitted. Ron and Sean (his son) fitted our world map, Waltzing Matilda decal, and some really cool Kangaroos complete with Joeys. This should help people especially overseas to recognise us as Auzzies rather than Yanks.


I would say we are very happy with this vehicle, both as a camper and as a 4wd. A few bits have broken, (steps, window, fuel tank straps, there is too much dust inside, lockers need water-proofing and strengthening, air conditioner fuse) but overall we have done a lot with it and it has lasted the distance. And it shines as a camper, with very easy and quick setup and packup. The rooftop tent has also worked well for visitors. Overall the vehicle is a great success. 

Everywhere we go there is a stream of people admiring the  EC and wanting to discuss it. 

And already this afternoon I have had two people admiring the kangaroos! Thanks Ron!  

Now we are going to Eungella -where we have our holiday home. We'll stay there into the new year before going back to Brisbane. There we will get everything that shook off, or got broken, replaced.

And then it is onto the ship for Japan in early March! So watch this space from January as we start our preparation for Japan and onwards in earnest.