Sue and Ken Slater are from Melbourne, Australia. The MGs Beijing to London along the Silk Road, 2010 presented a great opportunity to travel in a convoy of six MG classic cars with like minded adventurers. Ken is a retired secondary school principal who spends his time with his sons, building and renovating houses and classic cars. His other passion is the Collingwood football team. Sue works as an educational consultant and enjoys life, family and friends.
2:58 pm
#79 How many fan belts does Yellow Car need to get from Beijing to London, that is the question?
Just how many fan belts does Peter have?
Another new fan belt
Yellow Car has had recurring problems with the fan belt due in part to some modifications which were made to enhance the cars performance. The old adage of never modify a car seems to be working here. I reckon the mechanic and air conditioning installer could be in for an earful on Peter’s return to Mornington.
Peter has spent hours trying to remedy this issue. He has toured many spare part areas looking for the right size fan belt and even had one made to order back in Tianjin, China. It is not unusual for him to be off in a taxi to see a man about a part. He usually returns with some new bits to enhance his cars performance, a good story and some local knowledge.
Very frustrating as Peter is always one to want things running smoothly. The bonnet and boot of Yellow Car is often open as Peter adjusts and tampers with something.
Yesterday the fan belt broke. So Action Man went into over drive. All the tools were out on the side of the highway and out came the supply of fan belts. Not one or two but there must have been twenty or more. With some help from his friends the job was done and Yellow Car was up and running again.
The funniest thing is watching the speed and method of execution. Peter goes into over drive. His purposeful walk becomes a run and the swing of the arms reminds one of a ferret on amphetamines. Nothing gets in his way. He has a job to do and he’s lovin it. He’ll beat this machine into submission so it purrs ! Then he’s packed up and off again, pleased with the result and on the CB saying “let’s get on with it”
The question is : how many fanbelts does Yellow Car really need to get to London?
Have just caught up with the last three blogs and you have painted a great picture of Turkey. Sounds fantastic (apart from one balloon ride!)
Hi Sue and Ken
Keep up the blogs as we are just fascinated by all of your adventures. Brett (one of my staff who did an ITF to Canada) blogged all year and was able to turn it into a book through one of those photo companies. It was a fantastic record of his journey. You two will have to do the same.
I love the pictures of all of the faces – so very different. How are you ‘travelling’ after your balloon ride? Got over the aches and pains – very lucky. Remind me to tell you a little story about the inequalities of males and females in certain situations. Sue you will be pleased to hear that we now have a lady Prime Minister and a red head to boot! Keep up the entires – they make my day. Love Loretta
Peter ‘s expertise in fan belts will be put to good use when he gets back to Oz.. I’m sure. Perhaps a new business venture? That photo gave me a good laugh, similar to having snakes hanging around your neck. Jan
I can just imagine the frenetic Peter. Turkey also sounds a wonderful experience. Is there still going to be a reception of some kind in Paris? Loved the hats.
The Fijian Chief is disappointed at the lack of blog posting… Don’t disappoint the Chief, you do not want to see him angry. Rock on