21. Up the Guts

It’s Friday arvo and Pete’s phoned up his made James to ask if he wants to join him on a road trip.

He’s planning to drive up through the guts of Australia from Adelaide to Darwin.

James: G’day, James speaking.

Pete: G’day, Jimmy! It’s Pete. How’s it going?

James: Oh, hey Pete. Yeah, not too shabby. Just knocked off work for the day and am heading home. Think I’m going to grab a beer and kick back and relax for the weekend.

Pete: Oh, that’s right. It’s Friday! Hold off on the beer. I’ve got an offer for you.

James: Oh, yeah? Better be a good one. I’ve been dying for a beer all day.

Pete: Don’t worry, it’s a good one. I’m thinking of going for a road trip this weekend from Adelaide to Darwin and need some company. You in?

James: Sounds tempting. Though, to be honest, I was hoping to just take it easy this weekend.

Pete: Come on, mate! You can take it easy in the car. Better yet, you can bring your beers.

James: Anything else to sweeten the deal?

Pete: Well, look, I’ve got the camping gear and will cover fuel and snacks. So, it’ll cost you bugger all. Well, maybe a few beers. What do you say?

James: Alright, yep! I’m in. Tell me, though, Pete, have you had the car serviced recently?

Pete: Nah, it’s been donkey’s years, mate. Why’s that?

James: Why’s that? Mate! We’re about to drive 6,000 km or so… If the car conks out somewhere remote, we might end up wandering around the desert like Burke and Wills.

Pete: Jimmy, you worry too much! Look, we’ll be sticking to the highway. So, worst comes to worst, we’ll have to hitch hike. And if we end up in the sticks and need to survive off bush tucker, just remember to cook the Nardoo first, hey?

James: Very funny.

Pete: I thought you were a rev head, anyway, who’s good with cars? So, come over, check the car out, and if she’s sweet, we can head off!

James: Alright, I’ll head home, grab my stuff, and come ‘round. How about that?

Pete: Sounds good. And Jimmy…

Jimmy: Yeah?

Pete: Don’t forget the beers!

Jimmy: Yeah. Righto!