[ENCI-l] Sights and sounds of Darwin

[engg-enci-l at mailman.ucalgary.ca]

If you have ever been in the tropics you'll remember that they have a distinctive earthy humid smell. We noticed that as soon as we arrived, but last night over dinner and again this morning we heard and saw some amazing birds (or was that a bat?). Our current digs are a very spacious and modern three bedroom apartment  (almost like one of the solar homes I saw last week in Washington DC) that has a huge balcony where we eat our meals. Last night at dinner we were amazed at a huge bird or bat swooping past us. At the same time the birds in the trees across from us were hooting, squeaking and screeching in a tropical evening concert. One of them sounded like a small complaining child. Another bird sounds like the ice cream truck, seriously- doo doo doodle oodle doo doo...

The teams are beginning to arrive at Hidden Valley Motorsport park and it is nice to see three canadian flags (Toronto, us and ETS). Today they posted team names over the bays so we are getting closer to the event.

While Scott, Mico, Jeff and Brandon worked on the car, Jordyn, Christie and I continued to gather necessary bits and pieces (2.5kg vats of petroleum jelly, vinyl and velcro for weatherproofing, cables for Jeff, bolts for Scott and lunch for everyone). It's a good thing we have two cars!  My big score was to find a sewing machine for rent and so I am back at the apartment making waterproof wheel covers designed to keep the drivers dry. I'll be amazed if we need them, but better safe than sorry! 

Dinner tonight will be at the Mindil Beach sunset market and then early to bed. Not only does 5am come soon, but the team and car are at an Oil and Gas conference tomorrow at the request of ConocoPhillips. They have been truly amazing support on the ground here in Darwin and we're glad to be able to show our car at one of their events. More on what they've done for us later. 

It's getting closer to scrutineering!!

Cheers!
Lynne and the Solar Car Team