We departed Napier on Sunday, after stopping to dump and fill up with fresh water so we would be all ready for the next stop. Napier was named after the British General Sir Charles Napier and developed from a whaling and trading station in the 1840s. It was rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake which devastated most of the buildings, causing 256 deaths, and raised the shoreline considerably. Driving down Marine Parade at Napier is always a pleasant sight, as the street is lined with Norfolk Pines.
Marine Parade, Napier
It was a slow and reasonably winding drive to Kairakau. We were just coming down the last hill, only a few kms from our destination when there was a load bang, followed by a drawn out tinkling and scraping sound. What on earth had happened? We pulled off the narrow road and Robin went to see what was what. There’s been a blowout on the caravan, he reported. We needed to be in a safer position so slowly drove up to a farmer’s driveway off the road, with scraping and clanking noises following us all the way.
Blow out on the caravan tire
We were lucky indeed that several ICA members soon arrived and stopped to help. The back wheel was backed up onto a makeshift timber platform, with the jack under the front wheel, and Buddy and Reg soon had the damaged wheel off. We really appreciated their help as they went to work so willingly.
Help has arrived
This is what they found, rather unusual it seems. The tire blew, and ripped apart the inside rim. Nobody had ever heard of this happening before. It seems that Robin drove off the edge of the road, which must have caused the damage.
The damaged wheel
We went back the next day to check out where this happened. Sure enough, there was a six inch drop from the edge of the road, and scrape marks as we slowly came to a stop. Guess we were lucky only one wheel was damaged, and not the two on that side of the van. The spare is on the van, and now we are arranging to get a new wheel sent down.
Scrape marks, and cell phone showing depth of drop from road.
2 comments:
And that is why Mick insisted we get a van with dual axles. It was very good of the fellows to give a hand. Let’s hope the rest of your trip goes smoothly. I’m still jealous when I see your pics of Napier. There was an Airstream coffee van on Marine Pde when we were there.
Oh my God, Jenny. Glad that you both are safe. Thanks to all the ICA members who dropped in to offer help. By the way, the quiet roads bordered by Norfolk pine trees were a treat for eyes. Looking forward to many more pleasant sights with you, Jenny and Robin. Great going dears!!
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