Wednesday, August 8, 2012

ALmosT a DiSasteR

I know this is winter in Australia and what goes with winter is also the "flu" season. Hubby and I just couldn't shake our bugs 100%, so we took off in our van to sit beside the ocean in the sun and warmth. It's working as we feel a lot better enjoying a clear blue sky listening to the waves crashing.
We did have a drama along the way late on our first day on the road and nearly didn't make it. Luckily we had just come into a 50klm speed zone thru a small town and was just rounding a curve so going even slower when the van had a mishap. Thank heavens we were only travelling slowly as the U bolt that holds the axel to the leaf spring SNAPPED... BANG !!!  The van was sitting on the tyre unable to be moved. Luckily the road had a turning lane for the cars to pass us but the most overwhelming event to happen was the amount of locals who stopped and offered help - unbelievable!
A local man (Trevor) and his son heard the noise and came to assist. They took over the repairs by jacking up the van, supplying new U bolts, fitting them and then sending us on our way albeit a few hours later and almost dark. They gave NO thought to the wasting of their afternoon and they would accept NO money in payment. We plan on stopping on our return journey with a gift to say how much we appreciated their help!
After realising how lucky we were-cannot imagine what may have happened travelling at 100klm p/h-but then to be rescued by wonderful locals, we found a park a few kilometers up the road and stayed for the night.



The next morning we called into a Caravan Repair and Service depot where another friendly and helpful local looked underneath and both he and hubby changed the position of the axel slightly and then all was good. Safe to go on!... phew!

We are now at a beach resort on the NSW coast and this is our view.
Time to lay back, enjoy and be THANKFUL!

HuGs CheRyLL

19 comments:

Anthea said...

Cheryll thank goodness you are both safe! that must have given you a good fright... Good on the locals for being so wonderful. Have a restful & restoring break by the sea...x

Deb R said...

someone is looking after you!! Enjoy your break by the sea...what a great relaxing view

Anonymous said...

OMG thank goodness you both are okay and so is the van now,what wonderful people that came to help Rick,there is good in the world and what a view,wish i was at the beach in the sun,enjoy.xx

Michelle Ridgway said...

Oh how scary....thank goodness you were only going 50kms. Country folk are the salt of the earth aren't they. Restores your faith in your fellow man. I am so glad you and Hubby are enjoying that gorgeous view and all that wonderful sea air.

Christine M said...

How lucky that you weren't travelling too fast. Thank goodness you were both safe.

Narelle said...

Sounds like heaven to me ... the beachside part that is ... not the van mishap! But I wouldn't expect anything less from small town locals :)

Bev C said...

Hello Cheryll,

Wow, now you enjoy the rest of your relaxing break. I think you will have to hit the shops to celebrate!!!!
Hooray for the good people in this world.

Happy days.
Bev.xoxo

Naturally Carol said...

Thankfully you're all ok and there was a quiet street for you to stop on!

Simone Harding said...

So pleased all was great in the end. Your van looks so much like my parents.
So gals you were not hurt. Enjoy the rest of your holiday

Helen said...

Lucky you are both safe and now enjoying your break.

Helen

Kaisievic said...

What a lovely story (not the broken u bolt bit) but the very generous locals. Have a good holiday.

yorkie mom said...

There are really good people in this world.

Maria said...

How wonderful to get all that help
:-). Your holiday spot looks beautiful!

Quilting Chemist (Danette) said...

I'm glad you're both safe and met such nice helpful people. Enjoy your vacation!

Maria said...

Oh No so lucky you were going slow... Pleased you are both ok. What great guys to help you out..
There are lots of nice folk around.
Enjoy the ocean views and get well soon.

Love Bears All Things said...

There are still "angels" in disguise....God was certainly looking out for you. I'm so good it didn't spoil your holiday. Feel better soon.
Mama Bear

Vickie said...

It warms my heart to hear your story. There are so many good people on this earth. Have a safe trip and feel better.

Fiona said...

Brings confidence in the human race doesn't it.... so glad you are safe.... relax and enjoy now... and may the sea air sort those bugs out...
Hugz

retdairyqueen said...

So pleased the van is ok and so nice that there are still lovely people in the world willing to help others
Enjoy your break and hope you get the warmth you are looking for
Sure could do with some here