Six MGs in Cappadocia, Turkey

Dan just slipped away with no goodbyes or roasts, while Simon’s farewell included a “hat” dinner with an epic poem written by Ken, the Bard, Kerith and Ian M outlining some of Simon’s more memorable moments on the trip. Simon had a number of nicknames, but at some stage he said he was like Teflon. So the “Teflon Man” was ribbed for losing his wallet, credit cards, directions to hotels and his 360 degree spin out. It was all good fun and Simon took it very well.

We will all miss Simon’s companionship, humour and navigation skills; when all else fails or when in doubt ask the locals , not once, twice but numerous times.  I am sure Maddie and the family will be thrilled when he touches down in Melbourne.

We dressed in hats which we were told had to be made and not purchased. Denise won the hat competition with a hat covered in luscious cherries while Dave’s headdress was underpants inscribed with “who wears the pants” written on the back which  may have had something to do with Laurel’s arrival. Joking!! Dave  said that comment was for Kerith and I as we questioned him so much for the first couple of weeks but now it is ”the burghers” who seem to do the cross checking. The dilemmas of leadership.

My hat was a construction of my three friends: Mr Jeremy Fisher, Benjamin Bunny and Peter Rabbit.  Mr Jeremy Fisher even had some Quotable Quotes which he had written down along the way. Most members of the team were quick to recognise their quote.

Dan joined the trip as Dave’s mechanic and he has been generous with his time and knowledge in supporting all of the driver come mechanics. The cars still have a long way to go and according to Dan there are still some interesting idiosyncrasies about the cars, including the Orange Cars need for another wash before it gets to London.

Dan just disappeared. We had prepared an epic poem for him but he was fortunate to be able to procure an immediate and  direct flight home. So best wishes Dan, we will miss you and now there’s no one to monitor the verbage on the CB and when it gets too much turn it off.

We welcomed Laurel and Lorraine to the team. Now we have a balance of males and females. It has been interesting to see the team forming, doing a bit of storming, norming and performing as team theory dictates. With each leg of the trip there has been different dynamic when you consider that there have been people coming and going and different guides bringing a new perspective and influence to the group. All really fascinating and  it is great that the team has been very unified and accepting.

Wearing funny hats.