Pedro, the team vehicle, is a loved and valued member of the team and has much to share with us after an active life of 20+ years. While, thankfully, it is still running, it is beginning to show its age. This segment of the blog is intended to be a light-hearted story from the car’s perspective.
September 2025
Diary Entry 1
The beginning of the season always marks new adventures.
I’ve survived another summer!
In the hottest months, I get some down time while most of the team travel but it is the dustiest time for me. I always look forward to when my carer returns. Dust gets everywhere in the hot, dry and windy summer so I really do need a good clean and a thorough check-up. I look forward to that.
Driving back to the city to pick up team members, I noticed a new clunking sound somewhere around the front of the car. I mean, new is a relative term. I think I’ve heard it before but it has been getting worse recently. The joys of getting old! And what else can you expect in old age?
Diary Entry 2
Well, I’ve discovered a new sound. I think it’s related to the brakes. Like, if you go fast and brake they are usually fine. But if you brake gradually, there’s a strange grinding sound. That’s a new one even for me. The driver seemed somewhat concerned, which isn’t a great sign. But it’s probably fine. I mean brakes aren’t that important – are they?
Diary Entry 3
Oops! Spoke too soon. Brakes are important. I repeat, BRAKES ARE IMPORTANT.
Driving around the Gulf of Tadjoura, from Djibouti to Tadjourah in the north, isn’t so far. A good driver who knows the way takes 3-3½ hours. I mean in the grand scheme of how far I’ve driven, what is another 180 Km (111 miles)?
Thank goodness the road was not as full of trucks as it can be so we could just slowly glide to stops. I mean, generally one should drive slowly when you don’t have brakes.
Well, that drive is considerably more adventurous without brakes!
You learn something new every day! Even at my age, you can teach an old dog new tricks. (But if I’m being honest, I think I am good on new tricks and prefer working brakes…)
Diary Entry 4
After making it home, I got a nice tune up. New functioning brakes and changed oil, with a good undercarriage bath in the old oil. (It works miracles at keeping the dust and rust at bay! The secret to my youthful complexion!)
I’m happy to be home again in Tadjourah with all the team back and ready to get started on the projects. I overheard that a trip to the countryside will be my next adventure.
Kerith Trust 