Bottle it up!

We had an explosive Certificate of Inspection. Weighing 5.7t, our Coaster needs a yearly one.

7.30 sharp we are on the doorstep of our mobile COI inspector. Initial assessment by me rates the inspector as tightlipped, strict professional, so be on my best behaviour.

He says he's going to take the Coaster for a spin and do a 38kph brake test. He warns to stow any loose items. I relay this to Gen but she doesn't hear.

Off the inspector goes, whizzing round the block to reappear 10 minutes later. He climbs out of the cab clutching his tablet which is dripping liquid. He says I did warn you to stow everything. The whole kit and caboodle came hurtling from the back, smashed a bottle of wine and drenched him and his tablet with ten dollars of cabernet sauvignon!

So, I reckoned prognosis a thumbs down for our inspection. However, his thin lips parted in a smile and the offer to bring his bin for cleanup.

Chatty as ever, he passed us. We drove off engulfed inside in alcoholic fumes, thankful we'd gained a pass and paid with a bottle.

====================================================================

Certificate of Inspection, COI, Inspector; Hughie