One of the many types of driving work I have done, was to work with a long time friend, Jol Fleming. Jol and I go back more than 35 years, so when I rolled back into The Alice awhile ago, I assisted him with his 4X4 training programme. Jol never fails to amaze the people he teaches, because he has been wheelchair bound for half of his life, and is more than capable of driving his specially rigged Falcon, of F 250 ute over any sort of country, especially the deserts. He regularly takes "Tagalong" tours to virtually every part of the country. However, his thriving business in Alice Springs is teaching anyone, but in particular, all government employees who go "bush", how to handle a 4X4. Between us, we would cover all the basic mechanical checks, from fluid levels to tyre changing. Then out into the sand hills south of town where we would demonstrate the correct, and ONLY way, to use a "snatch strap". For those of you who are going to buy 4X4 retrieval gear, PLEASE go to a licensed 4X4 school. There you will learn where to, and where NOT to hook up for a safe tow. I know of two occasions where people have used their tow ball as the point of towing. Both times, the tow ball broke off and became a missile. As a result, the two people died from head injuries. Most recently, people hooked onto a bullbar, took the strain, and the bar flew off the vehicle and killed a nine year old girl who was standing some hundred feet away. So, once again, let me emphasize that there's a lot to see, but please be careful. Regards Pipes. E mail jol@direct4wd.com.au  (If in The Alice, and say G'day)