Day 14 Daly Waters to Mataranka

Houston, we have a problem. They say a picture paints a thousand words and that certainly isn’t a pretty one. About 30 minutes from Mataranka, Sarah said she heard a scaping noise coming from the caravan. I can’t hear a thing so I take her word for it and pull to the side of the road. The forward tyre on the left side of the van is shredded. Shortly after we stop, two other vans pull over to help. They had been having a quiet cup of tea at the previous town and seen us drive through, oblivious to the problem tyre. We had driven at least 25 km and not noticed a thing. With their help we manage to get the spare on and continue on our way without much of a delay. It does prove as a stark reminder of how alone you can be out here a long way from anywhere. Luckily, the local repair shop is open and the tyre is replaced, mounted and balanced in less than an hour. $135 later, we’re good as new. Now, swimming in the local springs.......