Chris was in Brisbane outfitting his new Toyota Landcruiser with suitable off roading equipment for his rugged outback adventure.
We packed our cameras and trusty laptop, tent and camping gear into our backpacks with suitably outdoorsy clothing and jumped on a cheep flight to Sydney.
We met my cousins Christian and Jamie, in Sydney where they live in a modern apartment tower together. We had a great 24hr visit, seeing a small slice of Sydney, hearing about funny types of Australian girls, strict road rules and other Ozzie things strange to us.
That next morning we flew to humid Brisbane to meet Chris at his hotel. Waking along the warm streets lined by gum trees big diesel SUVs rumbled past us; usually Toyotas or Nissans, Ozzies love their 4wd trucks with their roof top plastic intake snorkels, ready to drive anywhere, even underwater!
In order to handle the extreme vibrations and jolts of off roading, Toyota had continued to produce an older model of truck, simpler than modern luxurious SUV's, harder and more rugged and much loved by the mining companies and farmers who live and work in the unforgiving outback.
Powered by a hi-tech 4.5 liter, twin turbo diesel V8, pulling through a 5-speed manual with lockable front and rear differentials, this truck was built to handle anything the desert can throw at it.
Chris had bought the truck new and immediately had the suspension raised, bigger wheels and big roo-bars bolted on, extra large capacity fuel tank, 4000lb winch, roof rack, spotlights and CB radio installed. Not to forget the 12volt fridge bolted in and rear, satellite navigation, twin batteries, built in air compressor and cargo draws installed in the back!
He also had only days to buy the necessary camping gear and test out his truck before we collected it, now filled to the ceiling with tent, cots, camping stoves, tools and everything necessary for Chris's survival in the bush!
I'm sure he will be counting the days until he sees his new toy again in Perth on June 8th!