The Vauxhall Gods Smiled on Us

Today started with a border crossing which wasn’t as smooth as hoped. Somehow when we picked up the car from the port we were given the customs paperwork but not the “Importance of Conveyance” form from the police. After a lot of decision they decided to give us one as we where leaving and sign it off straight away so we could exit Thailand. I think it help that our car was a great photo subject for all the officers to get photographed with.

About 120k after leaving the border we were coming down a hill in 2nd gear and I couldn’t change out of 2nd. OMG! what has gone wrong was my first reaction! We drove along in 2nd till we found space to pull over and investigate. Upon lifting the floor to get at the gearbox we discovered the lid latch had come apart and fallen into the gearbox(Vauxhall owners will understand). Luckily this latch had not got caught up in the gear train and the only damage was a bit of wear on the thread. With a great deal of help from the Vauxhall Gods no serious damage was done and the parts from the outside of the gearbox we couldn’t do without were found laying of the top of the box at the back. So all in all a very lucky escape from a potential trip ender. Maurie and I proceeded to clean the thread up with a file and get the whole contraption back to gather again. After this was completed it was time to have  cuppa in the shelter that was beside the road that served as some were dry to put our luggage while getting parts from the bottom of the car.

As we were loading the car a group of young Loas kids pulled up to have a look and ask us where we were going. Lee spoke very good english that had been learnt at school.

The day finished up with us arriving in Luang Namtha for 2 night till the others join us and we all cross into China on friday. We will spend the day getting washing done and giving Penny some tender loving care with the grease gun and oil can.