Probably with a big thanks to Peter Horan for keeping the blog alive during my very extended periods offline in the middle of nowhere.
I've uploaded some photos from the route so far, but the stay in the yurt seems an age ago. Tonight we're in a 5-star hotel in a place called Almaty in Kazakhstan and it really is a very welcome respite from camping and shitty hotels along the way!
The camping in Mongolia was great with all meals provided by a company called Nomads. They built showers, toilets and even a beer tent, although the beer tent usually ran dry after it sold 10 bottles!
When I would go for a call of nature at 4am, the view was spectacular. With -10C, no clouds and no light pollution, the stars were amazing. I could see more stars than I thought possible ... it was truly magical.
The people have nothing of material value out here and yet they are so friendly. No stone throwing (as was common in North Africa) and no begging. They are so dignified and so generous with what they have. They are fascinated by the cars as well as by us in person, because we tower over them. Apparently we all look the same!
The Russians have also been approachable and the police are very keen to get a photo of the car but not for a speed prosecution!
We're both tired and our overalls are filthy, so much so that even other competitors have commented!! But then again we don't have a change of clothes for every night!!
We now have 2 rest days in Almaty and tomorrow we'll prepare the car so that it's for the next long haul. But at the moment, Fugly is running well. As of today, we're 12th overall and 9th in class ... not bad considering that on day 1, we broke down and dropped to 43rd place!
Our aim is still to make Paris rather than the podium, but there are some timed stages in Iran and I am looking to use them to improve our position. Realistically the early breakdown cost us a top 3 place, but I am still pushing for a top 5!
It's a long way still to go ... 4 more weeks .... a lot can still go wrong ... but a lot can also go right!
Our aim is still to make Paris rather than the podium, but there are some timed stages in Iran and I am looking to use them to improve our position. Realistically the early breakdown cost us a top 3 place, but I am still pushing for a top 5!
It's a long way still to go ... 4 more weeks .... a lot can still go wrong ... but a lot can also go right!
Clive & Ces
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