twrama 1990_final oc.. - AMA WA

TECHNOLOGY
iOS 6 Highlights
Apple’s latest operating system for mobile
devices offers:
• Siri:
Open apps and post comments to social
networks using voice commands
• Facebook:
Integrated into built-in apps like Calendar,
Maps, Camera and Photos
• Passbook:
Stores copies of boarding passes, movie
tickets, retail coupons etc.
• Facetime:
Video chat now works over phone networks
as well as Wi-Fi connections
• Safari:
iCloud Tabs keeps track of open web pages
on multiple devices
• Maps:
Google Maps replaced by Apple’s own
mapping app that is vector-based for greater
detail and includes audio sat-nav.
Hear to stay: The new EarPods offer unparalleled comfort and sound quality.
Continued from page 59
Living up to Grande ambitions
fuel load. In city driving, the Prado was delivering 100km for
just 9.3 litres. That is stunning for such a big 4WD. Thus we did
not need to carry jerry cans of spare fuel like our friends. I found
the automatic gearbox a joy in sand, as the down changes were
seamless and there was no loss of forward momentum – essential
in slippery sand.
We returned via the Birdsville Track and Marree, crossing
stony Gibber Desert near Coober Pedy. Like our friends, we
were using Cooper tyres, and I must record the outstanding
performance of that rubber. With softer pressures to allow the
tyres to “walk” over the worst stones, we have yet to experience a
flat tyre. That’s the entire 130,000km on one set.
After picking up our trailers, we headed south to the Flinders
Ranges to Willow Springs. Our friends had done some excellent
homework for this trip and found a remarkable 4WD track
on this former sheep station. The extraordinarily difficult and
dramatic 62km long track wound through harsh scenery with a
variety of surfaces, culminating in a difficult climb to one of the
highest points in South Australia.
At times, we were in low range, first gear, crawling with
differential locks on, yet still sliding off granite rocks on our steep
path upwards.
Years later, I still get sweaty palms thinking about ‘Skytrek’
as it is known. The track of 62km took us nine hours. I would
Solitary: The last desert oak on Great Central Road near Warakurna.
recommend it as character-building and sphincter-tightening! In
comparison, our trip home across the Nullabor was an easy run –
an enjoyable way to complete our 9800km journey. ■
Part 2 of Dr Randell’s article will be published in the November
issue of Medicus.
October MEDICUS 61