Blow up before the storm

I drive on, completely exhausted. Last night was just as dreadful. I’ve never beaten anyone up before. Last night I was practically on the verge of it all the time. Experiences: see last entry. I grab my things and set off. After a hundred kilometres I realise: ay. Forgot to eat. Probably a sign: eat less!

Another thing I hadn’t realised before: the clocks run differently in Queensland. One hour closer to Europe, although the same longitude as New South Wales. That’s why I arrive in Noosa at 12 o’clock. I actually wanted to carry on, but I have good reason to stop here for a few days: The wind forecast from Windguru.cz.

For the next three days: waves 3.8 metres, wind around 50 km/h from the south. Already today there are nice 28km/h. The third hostel still has a bed available and offers internet at reasonably favourable prices. I check in for two days and immediately set off in search of the best kite spots.

There are plenty of them in Noosa: beaches in every direction. A shallow water spot in the river delta. Noosa itself is extremely touristy. The ratio is probably around 10:1. Still quite manageable, relaxed. Lots of restaurants, food from all over the world. Finally a place where Aussies go on holiday too, not just Germans.

I drive 15 kilometres along the somewhat remote Sunshine Beach. There are always a few kitesurfers out there. I stop several times, looking for the spot where they start. Sometimes I’m in front, sometimes behind. When I finally (presumably) find it, the engine suddenly sounds funny.

I listen, press the accelerator a few times. Look, smell. Not good. The temperature suddenly rises abruptly. I stop immediately. Bonnet open. Light smoke. The left side of the engine is full of oil everywhere. And it’s empty. It’s dripping properly at the bottom. Blow up.

I find a small party in the neighbourhood. Something in the next house that can be used as a tow rope. A young Aussie tows me back to Noosa at 70km/h for 10km. He speeds over a few roundabouts, the rope goes slack and gets under the tyre once. Really exciting.

He puts me in touch with a friend: a mechanic just round the corner. Now it’s time to wait. My premonition: not good at all. I haven’t had a piston seizure yet, but I think it should sound something like this. Even if not: Replacing the seals between the gearbox and engine block is probably at least €500. Does anyone have any experience with anti-ripoff?