New Jersey to pick up the car

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Stockholm, New Jersey, 30th September

Arrived in Newfoundland to collect our vehicle, a Jeep Cherokee, a big gas guzzling 4 litre (in fact it wasn't too bad at all but then fuel is half the price over here). Upon arrival at the bus terminal there was no AutoDriveaway representative to meet us as arranged. Whilst we waited we entertained ourselves with a game of penny flicks, with Bowks whipping my backside with a score i wish to forget! 10 minutes later still no pickup so off went Bowks to give them a call from a bar close by. I'll let her explain the rest... Next to the door there was a sign saying no public phones inside as if they knew exactly what I was coming in for. I went in anyway and asked the lady if there were any pay phones nearby. Half laughing she said 'round here? None' I think she must have sensed my disappointment she let me use her phone. Whilst dialing the number I could feel loads of eyes watching me and thinking who is this girl with a funny accent and what's she doing in our bar? I got through and luckily they were on there way. Relieved I left the bar and went back to Doddy to tell him the good news.

On arrival at the AutoDriveaway office we went through all the relevant paperwork with Kit the AutoDriveaway guy (an ex policeman and he looked it too). So began the checks of the vehicle, "a couple of scratches above right wheel arch, mark it on the sheet Bowks. Slight dent, front end, mark it down. Key slightly bent, oh shit" SNAP! 1 broken key.

We explained to Kit what had happened, and although the only key we soon had the local locksmith out to cut a new one. An hour or so after original departure time we pulled out of AutoDriveaway car park, heading towards Washington DC where we had a hostel booked that eve.

Departed AutoDriveaway 5pm and arrived Washington DC 12am, after skipping a toll (couldn't quite get in the right lane in time), missing junction on approach to Washington and driving 25 miles past (nice toll lady turned us round and pointed us back in the right direction) and other small occurances mainly consisting of trying to get used to driving in the States when their driving technique, or should I say middle lane driving technique seems somewhat proper crackers!

Ah well we'd arrived safely and thats what matters!

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Photos

The jeep
Our 4 litre, gas guzzler!

Comments

[denz]

glad to see the hammock was packed into the sack and put to great use!!! Missin you here - not the same - still getting wound up by eugene but making sure people are listening to ME!!!!!!!!!!!! nothing new there !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and stressed as usuall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol happy birthday this week Denz and the team !