Wet Zealand : One F'ed Up Trip

Yes, we were cursed on the second tour. I can honestly only think of two . . .maybe three days without rain.





























But what doesn't kill us makes up stronger. Right?? Well, the challenges kept coming.


First: a stubborn steering column that tried to be fixed by three different mechanics.




Second: if you are going have a flat tire, might as well go all out. Now that is a shredded tire. Fortunately, through the ingenuity of one of our passengers, the spare tire was on in twenty minutes and we were back on the road.

Third: now that the steering wheel and tire is fixed, let's go four-wheeling at the the Mount Cook Department of Conservation, clip a rock, and peel the door outward away from the bus. AWESOME!















"I don't know how to fix this . . . . I'm a banker. I just buy a new one," said Tommy, our Swiss passenger.

After unhinging the door, the guys tried a variety of methods to 'fix' it including "Maybe if all of us stand on it . . ." After many attempts, the door was bent back into a 'usable' state via the pressure of our 2 ton trailer.

We had to use our ratchet straps to secure the door as best as we could until we could get to a bus mechanic to properly fix it. We were soo ghetto.

Despite the road 'obstacles' and weather, everyone kept in good spirits and had good time. Our dysfunctional relationship with the bus was half the fun.