We are all go for another year!
I drove on the all new bright and shiny A8 to Larne, this lovely sunny morning. There were stretches where I was all alone with green fields and cows chewing away, far too busy to notice me tootling along.
Naturally I was early for my appointment. I was asked to arrive at the vehicle testing Centre ten minutes before the appointed time. I was due to arrive at 10:40hrs, for a test at 10:50hrs. At the appointed time, you draw the vehicle up to the line and wait until you are beckoned to move forward.
Being a little earlier than required, I reversed into a parking space with full view of all that was going on. Driving school cars with would-be drivers nervously arriving to take their driving test. then I noticed some unusual activity from the MOT hanger …
The car in waiting at Lane one, began to reverse away from the building. It was closely followed by another car and a white van. Then ever so slowly I saw something bright yellow inching the way out of the hanger. I got out of my car with my cell phone a photoo opportunity if ever there was one…
Wait for me!
One of the testers was at the wheel, he reversed in a circle before roaring off to circuit the building. I was ready when he came round to the front again, I hit the button not quite sure if I had the object of my interest lined up properly … he was moving fast, but with caution. Another half circuit and the sound of the engine died, so I expect the car belonged to the driver and he needed to return to duty.
I joined Lane 2 as arranged and in no time at all I was waved forward.
Nose into the hanger so the exhaust immision was tested. I was then invited to move forward to the next position and was asked to switch off the enging and open the bonnet/hood. Happy with that it was closed again and I had the fun of trying to remember the things I do automatically every time I drive:- indicators, lights on all three levels, fog light and the horn. That was my job complete and I was asked once more to switch off. vacate the car and move to the seating area along the side of the wall. With doors open at both ends it can feel rather cold, well it does for me.
The tester took over for the next stages, the car is driven forward the front wheels are placed on a metal pad and the guts are shaken out of the front axel/wheels, they are then dropped down in to a vice like well where they are pushed and pulled with gusto. This process is repeated for the back axel. When all four wheels are back on the ground level, I sigh with relief, only one more stage to go.
On to a ramp and up she goes!
My little Beauty
Not bad for a car manufactured at the start of the century. Yes, the year was 2000 and the milage on the clock this morning? 70,474 miles.
I was talking to Elly when I came home she will be spending the wekend at the Sea of Galilee. When I told her the milage on my car, she replied “I will propable cover more than that on my working trips to Israel, by the end of the year”!
Elly has promised …I did hear her … not to try walking on water! Knowing her, she will probably dip her toes!
Stay safe my my love!