Thursday, 16 August 2012

No riding today

Much to our disappointment, and as you all know by now, everybody who told us not to count on the belts arriving today was right.  Dammit.

Ian hoped his Roadside Assistance policy would cover these additional expenses but it’s still a little unclear.  They did approve the overnight stay in Elliot and the tow to Katherine.  Since costs were starting to become an issue, we relocated from the hotel to Coco’s House, a backpacker’s hostel just blocks away.

Ian went into town (really just a few blocks away) for a massage.  Originally, he planned to do that and get a haircut in Darwin.  Since were stuck in Katherine for a while, he decided to find someone here.  I stayed at the hostel for a while and talked with Coco about the many painted canvas and digerydoos he has in a small shed.  They’re all aboriginal art and many are very expensive.  There are two in particular that I really like.  But, as I said earlier, costs are becoming an issue and I’m not sure I can justify the expense.

I went back to McDonald’s to see if their internet connection was resolved.  Thankfully, it was and I was able to post some blog updates.

We decided to make the best of our time here by doing laundry, then walking to the market.  It’s a shame that we’re in such a nice area and not able to get around to see it.  There’s Katherine Gorge and the hot springs, not to mention Edith Falls, Cutta Cutta Caves and Nitmiluk National Park.  (I offered to let Ian ride cupcake on the X7 but he declined.  He wasn’t comfortable piloting and having me ride pillion, either.  I understand it.  But still…)

Tomorrow’s Friday and we’re really, really hopeful that the belts will arrive.  The fellows at the repair shop said the mail typically arrives at 11.  If things go our way, the belt will be installed by noon and we’ll be on our way.