The 'PMV' rolled up about 6:30, a battered Toyota pick-up. To be expected I suppose. It was just as well because the roads were still atrocious. After an hour or so, we hit a problem.
Going up this hill we came to a stop. The incline and slippiness meant we couldn't get any traction. The wheels spun like crazy as we helped to push. We seemed to be getting somewhere when it ran out of diesel. It had to roll back down the hill and we had to wait.
We watched as an endless stream of vehicles ran the gauntlet. Others had trouble too.
Finally half an hour or more, our replenished car returned and, although it had to be pulled at the difficult section, we made it up the hill...
Problem was there were more hills and half an hour later we were in the same situation again. No diesel. They can't have put much in. This was bad news. How can a public vehicle run out of petrol? Answer: the driver's son had been joyriding around Keglsugl the night before and run the supply down. Grrrrrrrrrrr!
Breakdown # 2.
Myself, Katka and Brus waited around for hour upon hour. The driver failed to find more diesel. We were there, halfway to Kundiawa, for 3-4 hours in the heat, demoralised. Our connection in Kundiawa was basically stuffed.
Eventually, some guys found some kerosene and the car rolled back down the hill to fill up. My expectations were very low at this point! But then it came bursting round the corner and zoomed past us with guys in the back waving us on - they weren't going to risk stopping on the hill.
Incredibly, we made it all the way to Kundiawa without further mishap. The driver was obviously conscious to the possibility, though, as he turned the engine off whilst going down hills.
Kundiawa market traders
Doubly incredibly, we also managed to get a PMV (a proper one this time) to Goroka, even though it was 3 or 4pm. Suddenly, it was good moods all round!
We overnighted in Goroka and enjoyed beers and burgers in the Bird of Paradise Hotel. Apparently, it was the first time Brus had eaten cake, let alone black forest gateaux!
Next day, we were Madang-bound, which would take all day but, thankfully, on reasonable roads. First, an hilarious message from Jesus on leaving Goroka. I trust no translation is necessary!
This unsettlying child stared at me incessantly for around 7 hours without breaking a smile. What a freak.
THE END
9 comments:
In just one post you have magnificently and single handedly dashed all of your mother's hopes (yet again). This time, thankfully, it is only in relation to the reliability of the local hopper bus service!
Clarification required; "Wot a freak" - you or the child?
Hilarious blog, I heard you had a sense of humour failure after the second breakdown,glad I wasn't on the receiving end of your STROP!!
Love xx
I'm knackered after pushing that recalcitrant vehicle. Interesting journey with no diesel and freaky kid. All part of life's rich pattern. Photos are worth all the frustrations. Taxi into Leeds will never beat that.
Love Wozzer
The pics are just...fantastic and the commentary brilliant, feel as if I have been there. That road you mentioned, looks good to drive on, my little Suzuki would eat it for breakfast!
You'll miss the place but I'm sure you will enjoy what passes for civilisation for a while!
Cheers, Leslieeee
heyyy you! no more recent adventures?well, just to let you know I'm going to Bangor tomorrow, and I'll be thinking of you a lot with a pint in my hand and a Lucy next to me x
have fun for your last weeks!
frenchie.
That may have been what he was thinking
Wot no updates?
PUPDATE PLEASE.
test
what?
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