When the Krakatinnie, cracks.
We had booked into the Riverview Caravan Park and been allocated site 23A. Feeling a bit dried out from the road we headed into set up.
As the MOTH was unloading, I sat down to have a quick drink of water and just happened to be at the right angle to see what I thought was a bit to much flexibility in the trailer as the MOTH was leaning on it and then removing our gear.
On closer inspection two large cracks, one on each side of the draw bar were identified. We both sat down for some contemplation. It was Saturday afternoon in Katherine.
We were given a trailer repair card from the Caravan Park office, however there was no anwser. Luckily a cancellation in the park meant we were able to get into a cabin.
As we moved to our new lodgings the MOTH alias Workshop Foreman, spyed a sign on a nearby cabin saying Caravan repairs. There was no answer on the phone number on the sign, but not to be deterred the MOTH knocked on the door.
Things started to look up when the guy who came out was wearing a Ford shirt. He came and had a look underneath the trailer and thought he may be able to work something out with the welder and bits and pieces he had in his trailer.
The Workshop Foreman and the Ford guy disappeared down to his cabin for a couple of hours and the draw bar was reinforced with what was available. It was a cash transaction and the krakatinnie has been repacked and is ready for departure as planned tomorrow.
Was it the pot holes on the Barkly Highway?
Was it the towing techniques of the Loveliness since we left the Isa?
Was it just fatigue and wear and tear due to the age of the Krakkatinnie ?
Was it overzealous nocturnal activities?
This will certainly be one of the mystery’s of the Lap.
While the Workshop Foreman is 99% certain the repair job will be adequate he has been to the hardware and purchased a coil of wire and a few other supplies in case further adjustments may be necessary. We may also make an advance booking at a trailer place in Broome. We have had a lovely restful day as planned here in Katherine and look forward to crossing into Western Australia for the first time ever tomorrow!
