Mission: Journey Abroad - Bastok -> Windy

I've gone through and spoken with all the NPCs in the correct order several times on different occasions, and I've even skipped ahead to the next step to try and complete the mission, but it will not proceed. My memory isn't good enough to tell you confidently which step failed, but I believe it was Grohm who never gave me his cutscene.

I just recently started the mission on my 2nd character Lickilicky and went through it flawlessly. I then repeated the exact same steps on Meatrodbatman (again) to no avail.

I've concluded that I cannot finish this mission on my own. Please help.

I'm currently on the final stage (dragon fight in Giddeus) - I had no problem getting to this point in the last few days. Considering you just completed it on an alt, I assume you followed all of the instructions found here: http://ffxiclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Journey_Abroad

So did Grohm never end up giving you the pickaxes?

Right, on my 2nd character Grohm gave me pickaxes and I was able to continue fine. On this character, he just complains about Galkas being slaves. I never got a cutscene or pickaxes.

any news? should I keep this character or is better to restart?