When I last blogged the suspension had broken. Well it failed again (U bolts failed). And then the previously repaired leaf spring failed again in a sandstorm in Mongolia which was an experience. Fortunately we are travelling with some guys who have a spare which we banged on, but it was a bit short so the car now moves sideways when you drive so you have to turn right to go in a straight line. This results in some interesting handling characteristics, especially over rough ground!
Having posted that we had fixed our rear lights they decided to unfix themselves somewhere in Kazakstan. Basically our left and right indicator now switch the hazard lights on, and our hazard switch switches the hazards on also. In short we're incrediably well set for putting our hazards on but not so hot at indicating our intended direction. We're not particularly fussed though and this is now the third country we've passed through with no functioning indicators, rear lights, reverse lights etc.
We have just completed a 24 hours drive. This was not planned but we passed a broken Mongol rally car with three girls in. Car completely broken and the deposit point was 200miles away and one of them had to get a flight today. They had no money to afford a truck to tow them, and as we are such gentlemen and could not leave them in such a state of peril, the other SJ in our convoy, with all the power of its 1 litre engine, towed them 200 miles over the most atrocious roads at an average speed of 15mph! Who says chivalry is dead!? We have just come off from 24 hours on the road but were rewarded with a fantastic breakfast of meat and beer. I think pizza is following soon too! I don't quite have the energy to explain what a challenge this was but try to imagine trundling along at 15mph in pitch black with a veritable spiders web of rutted tracks, potholes, trenches with only a compass for navigation in a car where the clutch broke (yes, Tallulah and Mongolia are not getting on) in a country where there are NO road signs for 24 hours with no respite. Some man-points due I think!
Having actually got here I should probably pay some lipservice to Mongolia: incrediable, stunning, huge, like nothing else anywhere. Driving across the steppe with snow capped mountains surrounding you and eagles soaring above you. Come here.
In other news Will and I had our last shower 3 countries ago. Food conversations becoming increasingly intense and we're still in great spirits and well (if a little smelly).
Love to all,
Jules and Willxx
1 comment:
Good work chaps! Congratulations on getting there. Hope you enjoy the destination as much as the journey.
Tom
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