2006-09-13 21:00:00
HOME AT LAST - WE HAVE DONE IT - MONGOLIA AND BACK!!!!!!!
We arrived back in England at Harwich port where we received a rapturous welcome of balloons, banners and the like followed by a couple or three bottles of champagne. The little car by this time is running on one brake, a fuse box that was held together by tape, a rear differential that was leaking oil at the rate of a litre per 500 miles and a drive train that was making such horrendous noises you wouldn’t normally want to leave your drive. Not surprising really given that over the last seven and a half weeks we have covered 24000kms on roads (where they existed) that stretch the imagination to the limit!
It has, without doubt, been an epic adventure. We have been caught be the police six times for various infractions (some genuine, some not), had machine guns pointed at us, broken down in the dessert 100 miles from anywhere, broken down in deepest Siberia with only a jubilee clip to save us, been thrown out of a hotel, had a car part made of lambs wool, been robbed, smuggled fuel, got lost, been flooded, missed accidents by inches and above all, had an amazing time. The lows have been incredibly low but the highs cannot be compared…
It is hard to express our gratitude to all those who have helped us complete this challenge but it is no exaggeration to say that without you, it simply would not have happened. So, to our Sponsors, individual donators, Paul and Jenny of Bonkers Bovine, Diana, Robyn and Bee (for their updates en-route) and to everyone that took an interest, THANK YOU.
2006-09-13 14:00:34
At Hook of Holland, waiting for ferry to take us home. It's been tense but we could probably push her from here!! Of greatest surprise for those that know Nigel is that we are early for the ferry!
2006-09-12 20:15:34 In Hanover, only 250 miles to go to Hook of Holland and ferry home. Noise no better! Have eliminated props as problem so assume it must be a wheel bearing but all seem solid? Noise appears to be from right side and a small vibration and dragging has started. Discussed with Paul (Bonkers Bovine) and decided best option is to drive round it - avoid speeds etc when noise occurs and hope we get to ferry on time
2006-09-12 03:20:45
Nearly in Poznan. Noise sounding worse but still no indication of its source. With just 1000k to go we can almost smell the Channel but will the old girl make it???
2006-09-10 19:48:39
In Sawatki, Poland. Mystery noise is getting louder fast. Spent the afternoon in a real shopping centre in Lithuania - civilisation is back!
2006-09-10 04:03:16
Sitting by roaring fire in Anglonia, Latvia. Life is good except for new mystery noise. Sounds like wheel bearing again but have checked all wheels and the UJs and diffs all seem OK. Have decided just to ignore it and pretend everything is fine. Took all the dirt tracks we could find in Latvia to get here, good fun driving.
2006-09-09 22:03:43
Sitting on Russian border. Stocked up with Russian fuel and last portion of borscht (Russian Soup). Jordy got stopped by cops again doing 82 in a 60 zone!! But we managed to get away with it by playing dumb for long enough for the cops to get bored and let her off!
2006-09-09 02:18:34
Moscow at last!! Have finally managed to cross Russia and Moscow is bathed in sunshine this time round. All in all the city seems a much nicer place or is it that we have just finally got the hang of this country and it people?
Question is where to next? Have been making enquires about going via St Petersburg to Helsinki, getting ferry to Stockholm and then driving south from there. But time is a real problem, have to be back in the UK in 6 days!! Common sense says we must miss the North and head straight for home, Europe and the Hook of Holland?
2006-09-07 23:53:43
In Kazane. Managed to do another 900k yesterday!! We slept in the car at a truck stop for the third night running. Our poor bodies!!!
We are trying to decide our route home, we would both like to go through Scandinavia but are coming to conclusion Europe option might be best.
2006-09-06 19:20:14
At Chelyabinsk!! Managed to do 950k yesterday!! We slept in the car at a truck stop. Car is still going!!! More police problems - Nigel got taken into a very dark office for a very long time...
2006-09-05 21:14:35
In Omsk. Have had lots of problems today, 2 hub nuts stripped themselves and there was a power loss. Managed to fix both but replacement wheel cylinder from Nissan is now leaking!! Could hammer brake pipe flat but don't want to as it has only just been fixed from the last time we did that!! Instead I have backed that brake off to reduce the pressure and that seems to have done the trick. No fluid loss, no brake either, but hey!!
2006-09-04 21:00:46
Car has finally been fixed and we are back on the road (Our donor cars this time were a Lada and a Nissan). Driving late tonight to make up for all the lost time. Nigel has spent a couple of hours with a compressor blowing the dust out of the car and it is now relatively clean. You can't say the same for the garage where we left all the dust!!
2006-09-03 23:35:59
No parts until tomorrow. This is SO frustrating we need to get on but we are going nowhere!! Time is running out , were we asking too much of the car???
2006-09-03 17:46:41
Had a relaxing day yesterday; stopped early in the afternoon and set up camp by a large river. Dinner was cooked over an open fire - we felt we deserved the rest and had great intentions of a big day today.
Got up early and set off for Barnaul but broke down 140k short! Half of the outer collar of the water pump bearing had snapped off so the fan belt would not stay on. Managed to bodge it with a large jubilee clip and that got us to Barnaul; it should not have but somehow.... Now waiting to see if we can get part, our friendly garage (from the last time we visited this town) is trying hard but its a Sunday so...
2006-09-01 19:59:22
Made it to Russia, lots of snow in no-mans land so had a snowball fight! Very cold again and it has just started snowing!
2006-09-01 14:20:18
Just heard that Mongol/Russian border closes for the weekend in a few hours time! In a rush to get there today before it shuts.
Stayed in ger last night with ger(room) service! Its snowing and very cold!
2006-08-31 02:17:08
After having the bearing replaced with one from a gearbox off a Russian truck and a Mongolian gasket fitted, which is made of lambs wool saturated in oil, and making a few extra modifications we appear to be leak free! Have a suspicion the other side may be going too. Luckily have spare bearing from the donor gearbox just in case!.
Hoping to stay in a ger tonight
2006-08-30 00:01:14
Managed to get to Khovd yesterday but had to stop frequently because of problems with wheel bearing.
Have managed to find a mechanic who is "Mongolising"it. Taken so long mechanic has now invited them to his house for supper!! Hopefully will be able to proceed on journey soon.
One of the phones has been stolen.
2006-08-28 20:19:05
Arrived in Altai but lots of problems with rear offside wheel. Seems to be leaking fluid of some sort and bearings may be disintegrating.
Lots of texts between Nigel and Paul (Bonkers Bovine) to try and find/solve problem
2006-08-27 13:21:00
Arrived in Bayanhongor. On the way, stopped to help a Land Cruiser out of trouble which seems the wrong way round!
Two hours later we have broken down ourselves when the rear brakes exploded!
Very cold at night, temperature down to almost zero!
The driving here is just incredible, desert plains at 90kph without roads or signposts, dried up river beds, holes in the ground that launch you into the air, the experience is phenomenal! But what is most impressive is the size of the landscape - it is so unbelievably big and empty.
2006-08-26 15:49:577
In Arvayheer, no more tarmac for 1400km. Mystery noise remains, it must surely be a rear wheel bearing which means it must be a back wheel bearing which means we are in trouble!
2006-08-25 16:14:09
STARTING BACK HOME!
2006-08-24 10:11:49
We have been in UB for a few days now planning our next move. Unfortunately a planned trip into the dessert has not happened due to a broken leg for Jenny in Bonkers Bovine so instead we have been spending a few days preparing the car for her next drive - the route home!
It took some discussion before we had totally decided to challenge Mongolia, Russia and Europe again. There were many factors to consider; Russian Visa's, would the car make it (the mystery noise remains just that, a mystery), the cost of flights, did we actually want to see Russia again, the fact that Winter has almost hit the Gobi (-4 degrees at night)...the list went on! In the end we have decided to throw caution to the wind and go for it so a few days were spent swapping bits and kit from Bonnie (Bonkers Bovine).
We pick up our Russian visas tomorrow and aim to leave UB straight away and head west though the Gobi dessert. There are still teams arriving in UB so hopefully we should run into a few along the way (no doubt, that will confuse them!).
If we do complete the journey we will be possibly the only team to complete the "double" so the pressure is on!
2006-08-19 19:14:09
WE HAVE MADE IT TO ULAAN BATAAR!
About to tuck into full English breakfast. Yes we know it is 11pm but, wow does this taste good!
2006-08-19 08:13:17
With successful queue jumping, Mongol shoebox has made it into Mongolia!! Heading for Ulaan Bataar.
2006-08-19 06:05:49
In queue at Russian - Mongol border. Some random bloke trying to help us queue jump in return for a bottle of Vodka.
2006-08-19 01:46:36
In Ulan-ude. Have now stumped 3 garages & 10 mechanics with the cars unidentifiable noise. All tell us she's fine - we shall see. Nigel stopped by police again - no fine; we are getting good at this!
Off to find Mongol border.
2006-08-18 03:02:52
300km from Irkutsk. Siberia - wet, cold, far to big, we're going to miss party & car has new unidentifiable problem. Not a top tourist destination!
Came across another SJ that had blown its engine - thanks guys for the parts we pilfered.
Jordy caught for speeding - big brown eyes, no fine!
2006-08-14 15:57:200
Well it took 10 hours at the garage, a lot of hand signals, two new UJ's and a pile of other bits but we are back in the rally!
We have caused quite a stir in Barnaul - it seems English people sitting on there car bonnet in the middle of a mechanics garage is unusual!!! Have been given a gift of a Russian police baton and the centre console from a Lada - the console is actually quite useful but what do we do with what we suspect is a highly illegal baton?
2006-08-13 08:28:300
Car having problems - universal joint from gear box to transfer box is going! Limping to Barnaul to find possible help.
2006-08-13 04:41:21
Crossed Russian border last night at 2am after a nine hours wait. Were added in border control by a Kazakhstan family - the son could speak English. Camped at border with the Kazak's and partook in dinner & vodka shots.
2006-08-12 12:38:44
Took another short cut only to end up crossing a river via a barge made of oil cans and wood pulled by a speed boat. Then drove smack bang into a HUGE pot plantation! Later discovered it grows naturally on roadside. Only in Kazakhstan!
2006-08-12 10:00:55
Took a sneaky shortcut to save 300k. Took 8hours to do 180miles, road didn't exist! We crossed railway lines, drove through dessert, car high grass, up hills and down dales. The only thing to follow was the railway line; advice for the future - railway lines do not make the best signposts. Real off-roading, what an awesome day!
There is dust in this car like you would not believe; unfortunately a water container has also sprung a leak and the coffee supply has distributed itself around the back of the car - oh lordy, it is a mess!!!
2006-08-10 07:04:54
Passing through Almaty, crazy traffic and we do mean crazy. Engine running like bag of nails. Border crossing yesterday fine but VERY hot due to the passport control building being made of glass - what a clever idea in 40 degree heat!
2006-08-09 11:20:32
We are now in Bishkek after a stunning drive through the mountains from Osh in the south of the country. The camera has been working hard trying to capture the pure size, steepness and beauty of the mountains. The valley plains (at a lowly 3000m!) are littered with nomads living in their gers but we still managed to find a little piece of plain for our own ger.
Even at 4000m the car has been fine and is still going strong. Back into Kazakhstan tonight.
2006-08-07 17:45:54
Frustrating day trying to get out Uzbekistan as most borders shut. 100 extra miles and a lot of hanging around due to a potential problem with visa's - In the end phoned the British Consulate. I wonder how many calls they get starting with "Hi, I am driving through Uzbekistan...". Finally made it to Osh -easiest border yet.
2006-08-06 14:43:25
Lost in Tashkent for hours. Now heading east. Left Bonkers Bovine who go north
2006-08-04 19:33:13
Made it to Samarqand on no fuel and no money to buy any with. Enjoying a well earned break from the road and our first bed and shower in
two weeks!
It’s a very Asian place and not at all Russian as we sort of
expected. The roads for the last week have varied from sort of ok to completely non existent, off road is generally better than on road – you have to feel sorry for anyone with ground clearance less that a two storey building. Today whilst sitting in one of the 15th century bazaars the enormity of what we have already achieved hit home when we realized that it was not the fact that
we were here but the fact that we had driven here.
Staying in very nice hotel. Locals tell us we're famous - apparently the Rally has been on TV.
Had another brush with the police - Jordy was apparently driving on the pavement but Nigel got fined! There really was no pavement but when a gun is being waved in your general direction how much of a fight do you put up over £2.50?
2006-08-03 06:36:32
The last four days have been dessert, dessert and a bit more dessert. Roads do exist but you are better off avoiding them, the pot holes and ruts could hide the car at times!
Have been travelling in convoy with Bonkers Bovine which as well as being enjoyable has also been comforting; there is not much in terms of help and facilities. It is so hot even at night, but then it is the dessert I suppose!
Made it into Uzbekistan no problems. Stopped at what looked like it might sell food only to be shuffled into a shower (not that we were complaining!) before they would feed us!
2006-07-31 11:44:02
Reached Atyrau. Encountered first off-roading, handled well but there must be some big holes in the cab somewhere - there is a dust storm inside here!
2006-07-31 06:05:48
Into Kazakhstan without problem. Gained bottle of beer & 100 rubles from border guards as we cross out of Russia late last night. Isn't it meant 2 be the other way around! Then got stuck in no-mans land due to a river and no ferry so another night in the car; at least we were not there by ourselves - met up with Team Bonkers Bovine.
This morning the ferry picked us up at "crack of sparrows", Kazakhstan border guards decided to have a drive of the car, not to be recommended if you like your gearbox!
2006-07-30 11:25:31
reached Volgograd. Stocked up on loo paper & heading for the border! We have seen another Rally car at last.
2006-07-28 19:07:23
Reached Moscow! Lost for hours, does this town have a hotel under 5000rubles & who turned off the heating? It is freezing, there are police everywhere and the traffic is hellish.
In the end, park up by Red Square and take a walk around (still being hassled by police) and then get the hell out. Sleeping night in petrol station - this is happening too often for such an uncomfortable car!
2006-07-27 15:19:53
3hrs and 45mins later, Team Mongol Shoebox is in Russia baby!
2006-07-27 12:36:21
Stuck at Latvian Russian border. 90mins so far no progress!
2006-07-26 21:17:25
First encounter with the police in Lithuania. Nigel speeding in a village - swear there were no signs and how two houses make up a village! Lots of talking and no fine. Now in Latvia at nice camp site by lake. Crossing into Russia tomorrow.
2006-07-25 17:07:34
Quick pit stop in Warsaw. Did the tourist bit, bit to eat and back on the road.
2006-07-23 20:00:00
Arrived in Prague. So tired after barely any sleep in last two days but there is a party to go to...!
2006-07-22 12:00:00
THE START The Official Launch in London's Hyde Park. Immediately jumped into traffic jam and drove aimlessly around London for two hours!
HOME AT LAST - WE HAVE DONE IT - MONGOLIA AND BACK!!!!!!!
We arrived back in England at Harwich port where we received a rapturous welcome of balloons, banners and the like followed by a couple or three bottles of champagne. The little car by this time is running on one brake, a fuse box that was held together by tape, a rear differential that was leaking oil at the rate of a litre per 500 miles and a drive train that was making such horrendous noises you wouldn’t normally want to leave your drive. Not surprising really given that over the last seven and a half weeks we have covered 24000kms on roads (where they existed) that stretch the imagination to the limit!
It has, without doubt, been an epic adventure. We have been caught be the police six times for various infractions (some genuine, some not), had machine guns pointed at us, broken down in the dessert 100 miles from anywhere, broken down in deepest Siberia with only a jubilee clip to save us, been thrown out of a hotel, had a car part made of lambs wool, been robbed, smuggled fuel, got lost, been flooded, missed accidents by inches and above all, had an amazing time. The lows have been incredibly low but the highs cannot be compared…
It is hard to express our gratitude to all those who have helped us complete this challenge but it is no exaggeration to say that without you, it simply would not have happened. So, to our Sponsors, individual donators, Paul and Jenny of Bonkers Bovine, Diana, Robyn and Bee (for their updates en-route) and to everyone that took an interest, THANK YOU.
2006-09-13 14:00:34
At Hook of Holland, waiting for ferry to take us home. It's been tense but we could probably push her from here!! Of greatest surprise for those that know Nigel is that we are early for the ferry!
2006-09-12 20:15:34 In Hanover, only 250 miles to go to Hook of Holland and ferry home. Noise no better! Have eliminated props as problem so assume it must be a wheel bearing but all seem solid? Noise appears to be from right side and a small vibration and dragging has started. Discussed with Paul (Bonkers Bovine) and decided best option is to drive round it - avoid speeds etc when noise occurs and hope we get to ferry on time
2006-09-12 03:20:45
Nearly in Poznan. Noise sounding worse but still no indication of its source. With just 1000k to go we can almost smell the Channel but will the old girl make it???
2006-09-10 19:48:39
In Sawatki, Poland. Mystery noise is getting louder fast. Spent the afternoon in a real shopping centre in Lithuania - civilisation is back!
2006-09-10 04:03:16
Sitting by roaring fire in Anglonia, Latvia. Life is good except for new mystery noise. Sounds like wheel bearing again but have checked all wheels and the UJs and diffs all seem OK. Have decided just to ignore it and pretend everything is fine. Took all the dirt tracks we could find in Latvia to get here, good fun driving.
2006-09-09 22:03:43
Sitting on Russian border. Stocked up with Russian fuel and last portion of borscht (Russian Soup). Jordy got stopped by cops again doing 82 in a 60 zone!! But we managed to get away with it by playing dumb for long enough for the cops to get bored and let her off!
2006-09-09 02:18:34
Moscow at last!! Have finally managed to cross Russia and Moscow is bathed in sunshine this time round. All in all the city seems a much nicer place or is it that we have just finally got the hang of this country and it people?
Question is where to next? Have been making enquires about going via St Petersburg to Helsinki, getting ferry to Stockholm and then driving south from there. But time is a real problem, have to be back in the UK in 6 days!! Common sense says we must miss the North and head straight for home, Europe and the Hook of Holland?
2006-09-07 23:53:43
In Kazane. Managed to do another 900k yesterday!! We slept in the car at a truck stop for the third night running. Our poor bodies!!!
We are trying to decide our route home, we would both like to go through Scandinavia but are coming to conclusion Europe option might be best.
2006-09-06 19:20:14
At Chelyabinsk!! Managed to do 950k yesterday!! We slept in the car at a truck stop. Car is still going!!! More police problems - Nigel got taken into a very dark office for a very long time...
2006-09-05 21:14:35
In Omsk. Have had lots of problems today, 2 hub nuts stripped themselves and there was a power loss. Managed to fix both but replacement wheel cylinder from Nissan is now leaking!! Could hammer brake pipe flat but don't want to as it has only just been fixed from the last time we did that!! Instead I have backed that brake off to reduce the pressure and that seems to have done the trick. No fluid loss, no brake either, but hey!!
2006-09-04 21:00:46
Car has finally been fixed and we are back on the road (Our donor cars this time were a Lada and a Nissan). Driving late tonight to make up for all the lost time. Nigel has spent a couple of hours with a compressor blowing the dust out of the car and it is now relatively clean. You can't say the same for the garage where we left all the dust!!
2006-09-03 23:35:59
No parts until tomorrow. This is SO frustrating we need to get on but we are going nowhere!! Time is running out , were we asking too much of the car???
2006-09-03 17:46:41
Had a relaxing day yesterday; stopped early in the afternoon and set up camp by a large river. Dinner was cooked over an open fire - we felt we deserved the rest and had great intentions of a big day today.
Got up early and set off for Barnaul but broke down 140k short! Half of the outer collar of the water pump bearing had snapped off so the fan belt would not stay on. Managed to bodge it with a large jubilee clip and that got us to Barnaul; it should not have but somehow.... Now waiting to see if we can get part, our friendly garage (from the last time we visited this town) is trying hard but its a Sunday so...
2006-09-01 19:59:22
Made it to Russia, lots of snow in no-mans land so had a snowball fight! Very cold again and it has just started snowing!
2006-09-01 14:20:18
Just heard that Mongol/Russian border closes for the weekend in a few hours time! In a rush to get there today before it shuts.
Stayed in ger last night with ger(room) service! Its snowing and very cold!
2006-08-31 02:17:08
After having the bearing replaced with one from a gearbox off a Russian truck and a Mongolian gasket fitted, which is made of lambs wool saturated in oil, and making a few extra modifications we appear to be leak free! Have a suspicion the other side may be going too. Luckily have spare bearing from the donor gearbox just in case!.
Hoping to stay in a ger tonight
2006-08-30 00:01:14
Managed to get to Khovd yesterday but had to stop frequently because of problems with wheel bearing.
Have managed to find a mechanic who is "Mongolising"it. Taken so long mechanic has now invited them to his house for supper!! Hopefully will be able to proceed on journey soon.
One of the phones has been stolen.
2006-08-28 20:19:05
Arrived in Altai but lots of problems with rear offside wheel. Seems to be leaking fluid of some sort and bearings may be disintegrating.
Lots of texts between Nigel and Paul (Bonkers Bovine) to try and find/solve problem
2006-08-27 13:21:00
Arrived in Bayanhongor. On the way, stopped to help a Land Cruiser out of trouble which seems the wrong way round!
Two hours later we have broken down ourselves when the rear brakes exploded!
Very cold at night, temperature down to almost zero!
The driving here is just incredible, desert plains at 90kph without roads or signposts, dried up river beds, holes in the ground that launch you into the air, the experience is phenomenal! But what is most impressive is the size of the landscape - it is so unbelievably big and empty.
2006-08-26 15:49:577
In Arvayheer, no more tarmac for 1400km. Mystery noise remains, it must surely be a rear wheel bearing which means it must be a back wheel bearing which means we are in trouble!
2006-08-25 16:14:09
STARTING BACK HOME!
2006-08-24 10:11:49
We have been in UB for a few days now planning our next move. Unfortunately a planned trip into the dessert has not happened due to a broken leg for Jenny in Bonkers Bovine so instead we have been spending a few days preparing the car for her next drive - the route home!
It took some discussion before we had totally decided to challenge Mongolia, Russia and Europe again. There were many factors to consider; Russian Visa's, would the car make it (the mystery noise remains just that, a mystery), the cost of flights, did we actually want to see Russia again, the fact that Winter has almost hit the Gobi (-4 degrees at night)...the list went on! In the end we have decided to throw caution to the wind and go for it so a few days were spent swapping bits and kit from Bonnie (Bonkers Bovine).
We pick up our Russian visas tomorrow and aim to leave UB straight away and head west though the Gobi dessert. There are still teams arriving in UB so hopefully we should run into a few along the way (no doubt, that will confuse them!).
If we do complete the journey we will be possibly the only team to complete the "double" so the pressure is on!
2006-08-19 19:14:09
WE HAVE MADE IT TO ULAAN BATAAR!
About to tuck into full English breakfast. Yes we know it is 11pm but, wow does this taste good!
2006-08-19 08:13:17
With successful queue jumping, Mongol shoebox has made it into Mongolia!! Heading for Ulaan Bataar.
2006-08-19 06:05:49
In queue at Russian - Mongol border. Some random bloke trying to help us queue jump in return for a bottle of Vodka.
2006-08-19 01:46:36
In Ulan-ude. Have now stumped 3 garages & 10 mechanics with the cars unidentifiable noise. All tell us she's fine - we shall see. Nigel stopped by police again - no fine; we are getting good at this!
Off to find Mongol border.
2006-08-18 03:02:52
300km from Irkutsk. Siberia - wet, cold, far to big, we're going to miss party & car has new unidentifiable problem. Not a top tourist destination!
Came across another SJ that had blown its engine - thanks guys for the parts we pilfered.
Jordy caught for speeding - big brown eyes, no fine!
2006-08-14 15:57:200
Well it took 10 hours at the garage, a lot of hand signals, two new UJ's and a pile of other bits but we are back in the rally!
We have caused quite a stir in Barnaul - it seems English people sitting on there car bonnet in the middle of a mechanics garage is unusual!!! Have been given a gift of a Russian police baton and the centre console from a Lada - the console is actually quite useful but what do we do with what we suspect is a highly illegal baton?
2006-08-13 08:28:300
Car having problems - universal joint from gear box to transfer box is going! Limping to Barnaul to find possible help.
2006-08-13 04:41:21
Crossed Russian border last night at 2am after a nine hours wait. Were added in border control by a Kazakhstan family - the son could speak English. Camped at border with the Kazak's and partook in dinner & vodka shots.
2006-08-12 12:38:44
Took another short cut only to end up crossing a river via a barge made of oil cans and wood pulled by a speed boat. Then drove smack bang into a HUGE pot plantation! Later discovered it grows naturally on roadside. Only in Kazakhstan!
2006-08-12 10:00:55
Took a sneaky shortcut to save 300k. Took 8hours to do 180miles, road didn't exist! We crossed railway lines, drove through dessert, car high grass, up hills and down dales. The only thing to follow was the railway line; advice for the future - railway lines do not make the best signposts. Real off-roading, what an awesome day!
There is dust in this car like you would not believe; unfortunately a water container has also sprung a leak and the coffee supply has distributed itself around the back of the car - oh lordy, it is a mess!!!
2006-08-10 07:04:54
Passing through Almaty, crazy traffic and we do mean crazy. Engine running like bag of nails. Border crossing yesterday fine but VERY hot due to the passport control building being made of glass - what a clever idea in 40 degree heat!
2006-08-09 11:20:32
We are now in Bishkek after a stunning drive through the mountains from Osh in the south of the country. The camera has been working hard trying to capture the pure size, steepness and beauty of the mountains. The valley plains (at a lowly 3000m!) are littered with nomads living in their gers but we still managed to find a little piece of plain for our own ger.
Even at 4000m the car has been fine and is still going strong. Back into Kazakhstan tonight.
2006-08-07 17:45:54
Frustrating day trying to get out Uzbekistan as most borders shut. 100 extra miles and a lot of hanging around due to a potential problem with visa's - In the end phoned the British Consulate. I wonder how many calls they get starting with "Hi, I am driving through Uzbekistan...". Finally made it to Osh -easiest border yet.
2006-08-06 14:43:25
Lost in Tashkent for hours. Now heading east. Left Bonkers Bovine who go north
2006-08-04 19:33:13
Made it to Samarqand on no fuel and no money to buy any with. Enjoying a well earned break from the road and our first bed and shower in
two weeks!
It’s a very Asian place and not at all Russian as we sort of
expected. The roads for the last week have varied from sort of ok to completely non existent, off road is generally better than on road – you have to feel sorry for anyone with ground clearance less that a two storey building. Today whilst sitting in one of the 15th century bazaars the enormity of what we have already achieved hit home when we realized that it was not the fact that
we were here but the fact that we had driven here.
Staying in very nice hotel. Locals tell us we're famous - apparently the Rally has been on TV.
Had another brush with the police - Jordy was apparently driving on the pavement but Nigel got fined! There really was no pavement but when a gun is being waved in your general direction how much of a fight do you put up over £2.50?
2006-08-03 06:36:32
The last four days have been dessert, dessert and a bit more dessert. Roads do exist but you are better off avoiding them, the pot holes and ruts could hide the car at times!
Have been travelling in convoy with Bonkers Bovine which as well as being enjoyable has also been comforting; there is not much in terms of help and facilities. It is so hot even at night, but then it is the dessert I suppose!
Made it into Uzbekistan no problems. Stopped at what looked like it might sell food only to be shuffled into a shower (not that we were complaining!) before they would feed us!
2006-07-31 11:44:02
Reached Atyrau. Encountered first off-roading, handled well but there must be some big holes in the cab somewhere - there is a dust storm inside here!
2006-07-31 06:05:48
Into Kazakhstan without problem. Gained bottle of beer & 100 rubles from border guards as we cross out of Russia late last night. Isn't it meant 2 be the other way around! Then got stuck in no-mans land due to a river and no ferry so another night in the car; at least we were not there by ourselves - met up with Team Bonkers Bovine.
This morning the ferry picked us up at "crack of sparrows", Kazakhstan border guards decided to have a drive of the car, not to be recommended if you like your gearbox!
2006-07-30 11:25:31
reached Volgograd. Stocked up on loo paper & heading for the border! We have seen another Rally car at last.
2006-07-28 19:07:23
Reached Moscow! Lost for hours, does this town have a hotel under 5000rubles & who turned off the heating? It is freezing, there are police everywhere and the traffic is hellish.
In the end, park up by Red Square and take a walk around (still being hassled by police) and then get the hell out. Sleeping night in petrol station - this is happening too often for such an uncomfortable car!
2006-07-27 15:19:53
3hrs and 45mins later, Team Mongol Shoebox is in Russia baby!
2006-07-27 12:36:21
Stuck at Latvian Russian border. 90mins so far no progress!
2006-07-26 21:17:25
First encounter with the police in Lithuania. Nigel speeding in a village - swear there were no signs and how two houses make up a village! Lots of talking and no fine. Now in Latvia at nice camp site by lake. Crossing into Russia tomorrow.
2006-07-25 17:07:34
Quick pit stop in Warsaw. Did the tourist bit, bit to eat and back on the road.
2006-07-23 20:00:00
Arrived in Prague. So tired after barely any sleep in last two days but there is a party to go to...!
2006-07-22 12:00:00
THE START The Official Launch in London's Hyde Park. Immediately jumped into traffic jam and drove aimlessly around London for two hours!
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