In Search of a Motorcycle

So, one of the great things about Australia is that the roads are all winding, and I can't count the number of times I yearned for a motorcycle to send through the twisties.  Alas, my mode(s) of transportation have not been particularly confidence inspiring. 

Whilst in Kakadu the Toyota Hiace Camper Van was a rolling brick, with a sail attached to the top.  If you hit a downslope corner a little hot you had to ride it out since any pressure on the brakes would make the whole van want to fold over the front outside tire.  The good news is I got my heart rate going a few times - the bad news is that it wasn't at a particularly impressive clip.

Yeah!  Twisties Ahead!

Stupid Van

 The other cool thing about the Northern Territory is the recently implemented speed limits.  These northern roads used to be limitless, but after an unfortunate Cannonballrun-esc accident they put a limit of 130 on the roads. 

To be clear, these roads are in decent shape, but the picture below shows the largest shoulder that exists.  The margin for error is very small, and the roads are also shared by road-trains (large semis pulling 3 - 4 trailers), so it isn't what North Americans would call 'safe' - the chance of a prang was imminent.

Of course, I was in my pathetic Hiace van.  Although in good nick and capable of 130kph, it drank gasoline like an alco on the grog and the add-a-roof stuck out like dogs balls - making any sustained clip nearly impossible.  

Ready to Wind It Up

Stupid Van

Finally, after a long trip up to the Northern Territory, we relaxed with a 'Darwin Stubby'.  I also have us modelling my new tilly made from recycled Road Train tarps - cool!

At least I wasn't two fisting these bad boys

No Children were harmed in taking this picture

Not Shown: Alyn's necklace that didn't make it back from the market

The Sheila's will have a Stubbie if there isn't a Cask around