A Snowy Adventure…

Sunshine Coast… here we come! Dreams of shimmering golden sands were set to become reality before the sun dipped below the azure horizon once more. Frothy white capped waves restlessly rolled back and forth... waiting to embrace me ever so soon. Memories of delectable fried rice and bubble tea tantalised us. Nothing could stop us… we’d be there in time for lunch.

The cute little ’bubble’, appropriately named Snowy, was packed to the gunnels and raring to roll. Magpies warbled their sweet melodies as our energetic dog scampered us briskly along on an early morning jaunt. One final visit with the neighbourhood’s prize puppy lying in wait. Licks and wet nose rubs were freely exchanged; pats and loving words crooned… the mutual admiration society was alive and well. “Just one more pat… well maybe another few… we really have to go now!”

Too soon, the time came for my daughter to farewell her family, along with her beloved, if somewhat dopey dog. I was fine! I was going along for the ride, with the delicious promise of a beach holiday thrown in. It’s tough being a mother! A quick snap and we're off.

We were one third of the way into our trip and life was undeniably grand! I was devouring a novel, whilst my willing chauffeur heartily accompanied the tidal wave of music pouring from her sound deck. Cruising down a long straight past the town’s witty sign of “Picture Esk”, cute Snowy’s contented purr became an aggressively, disturbing growl. We two stereotypically mechanically clueless females limped along to a nearby park. What a time for Snowy to become subpar… on a lazy Friday following Christmas 2023!

Our nearest help was an hour away, atop the mountain range. What could we do? Uncomfortably clambering under the car to photograph foreign objects we’d never set eyes on before; was an experience we never want to repeat. Rolling out from the car’s undercarriage and dusting myself off, I met a passerby’s bemused gaze.

Once apprised of our dilemma, she generously offered to walk to the petrol station and seek assistance for us. Time trickled by. How long should we wait for a stranger who may never return? Our Good Samaritan not only returned but kindly led our groaning car to the only possibility of local assistance. The mechanic, ‘Wayne’ was on holidays. He just happened to be servicing a mate’s car and cleaning up his workshop. Typical!

He swiftly located the culprit… a front brake shoe worn down to the metal. Not good! Its replacement wouldn’t arrive until dusk. Adding to our angst was the three pm deadline to collect the unit keys (two hours’ drive north). Should we abort today’s expedition? Have a rerun on Monday?

Thankfully, our ‘White Knight’ agreed to leave our ‘castle’ and gallop to our rescue… bearing the precious part that would save us from disaster. Our trip was not doomed to failure after all. And the unit key? It would be awaiting collection in a secure location.

Meanwhile, to fill in a few hours’ wait, the mechanic’s son gladly abandoned all pretence of helping his dad and embraced his new role of Tour Guide. We trailed in his wake as he breezed in and out of the small-town shops… scattering sunshine and humour as he went. Unsurprisingly, the local Library was my highlight. Not so for our guide! He’d never graced the Library with a visit. Books!? Why would he waste time reading when he could be riding motorbikes or at the skatepark? I took some snapshots of our unplanned tour but disappointingly, the Library didn't look her best. I did however succeed in capturing the skatepark in all it's allure.

A new pair of earrings and several highly entertaining hours later, the brake shoe arrived and slid on as smoothly as Cinderella’s glass slipper. Heartfelt thanks were showered upon our Good Samaritans. Soon Snowy was again hungrily chewing up the kilometres.

Can you hear that?

We both ceased our chatter and listened intently…

No… can I hear what?

Silvery silence! Not one hint of hideous grinding! We grinned manically at each other.

Two hours of smooth sailing along country roads later, the placement of our trust was rewarded. The unit keys were awaiting collection, just as promised. Cool water rippled in the swimming pool… the welcome prospect of a twilight dip just the incentive needed to hasten unloading the car.

Bring on my beach holiday! As for my daughter… it was the start of the rest of her life! Nothing could stop us this time…

Turning the key, we slipped into her new home… into a filthy unit and six month’s battle with a psychotic Property Manager.

But that’s another story… with us emerging as victors!

This trip took a several unexpected turns but was most memorable.

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Written for the Through the Lens Challenge.