19 Mar 10 - Geelong

By Craig: The purpose of the stopover in Geelong was to have an HF radio installed by a highly recommended installer based at Lara, as referred by a family friend and member of the HF Radio Club.
The reason for such a radio was due to our intention to venture into very remote desert areas by ourselves. The radio would provide if in trouble a life line to assistance, security of being able to call for medical help and Lou’s peace of mind. While Lou and Sam spent the day doing school at the caravan park, I spent the entire day assisting with the installation of the HF radio. I only intended to drop the car off but I quickly found myself enjoying pulling my car apart to assist with the installation. In 4 or 5 hours I learnt more about the interior of my car than I’d intended. I was even invited to share cold leftover pizza at lunchtime as I’d come quite unprepared.
After completing the installation of the radio, it was quickly realised that the standard UHF radio antennae bracket wasn’t large enough for the robust HR radio aerial and an extension was required. I quickly researched a couple of engineering firms in the Geelong area and found an obliging manufacturer from Reid Engineering who at short notice made up the extension.
The poor bugger had a crook back, it was Saturday and he’d only opened up the shop because his back ached sitting around at home, and yet he graciously took on the job. After visiting his workshop, he took the measurements, drill hole sizes etc, and after about an hour called me back to say all was ready. Upon arrival I took a glance at the finished product and to my surprise it was painted and a perfect fit. To further assist, I was even lent the spanner to help me secure the oversized nut on the HF antenna and prior to this had gladly paid what I thought to be a reasonable price for such a prompt job on short notice however, more again to my surprise, upon returning the spanner to his workshop, I was quickly palmed the paid fee with a pat on the back, a smile, and the words, ‘Have a safe trip’. Even after suggesting I pay half I was met with the shake of a head. We chatted for 5 minutes about our journey and then we were on our way. One day I know my opportunity will come to pay his generosity forward.