Lilahpops

This week I got a flat tyre on the motorway on the way home from work. I drove over a chain that had fallen off a truck. Not seeing it in time, I connected with the hook on the end of it and blew a tyre. It didn’t feel like I had a blow out, but a car levelled up next to mine and the passenger frantically gestured towards the back of my car. So I pulled over and saw it. Bugger.

I’ve only ever changed a tyre once before, years ago. I managed to get three of the nuts undone before my back gave out and the tears started brimming. And then, I was saved! Someone pulled over to help me. My initial reaction was relief, immediately followed by consternation. But this man was very kind and helped put on the spare tyre. No doubt my rising hysteria was a worry for him! So, two new tyres, a wheel alignment and $295 later, I’m back safe on the roads.

The kindness of strangers does exist. You can get so ingrained with the distrust, violence and crime that you read everyday in the paper or watch each night on the news that, without realising it, you have lost faith in people. Because of a flat tyre, mine has been restored. Thanks to the passenger and driver in the gold car and thanks to Eduard.

Have you ever been rescued by a stranger?

It really is quite an amazing site. Beached so close to shore, the Pasha Bulker looks as though you could walk out and touch it. At 225 metres in length it is a massive addition to the beach at Nobbys Headand everything else appears dwarfed by comparison. The whole area is abuzz with activity: spectators, photographers, news crews, SES workers fixing the roof of the beach club and helicopters. Helicopters delivering goods to the ship, removing goods from the ship - it’s fascinating to watch.

Some of the images below are also available in larger sizes on my Flickr account.