Split from convoy at Barnaul. The other two cars are heading north for lake Baikal, we are off south to Tashanta & Tsagaannuur. Hope to make the Mongolian border tonight.
After a brief 4 and half hrs at the border we are finally in Russia. On route to Barnual - I can smell Mongolia.
Stopped many times yesterday as the mini we are travelling with has suspension problems, making progress slow, hope to make Russian border today.
Roads are quite entertaining today - a bit like the Mouse Trap at Blackpool pleasure beach. Now about 50km from Ayagoz in Kazakhstan.
Just noticed we've got a bullet size hole (from a stone I hope) in the headlight, still works ok though. Can't find stone .... or bullet.
Still on the road through Kaz, camped last night. It's a rather nippy 25C this morning, brrr ;-)
Left Almaty this morning, travelling with Team Fiesta and MongolMini Red. Roads good so far but sure that will change.
The Last Few Days
First internet caf. for a wee while and sooo much has happened it’s hard to remember. Arriving in Turkmenistan was totally crazy, I thought the Romania/Bulgaria border was mad - but this was ... well ... indescribable (although I will try when I’ve got more time). Ashgabat was great, driving was very civilised ... they use roundabouts the same way…
Made it to Kazakhstan. Bumped into a 2005 London-to-Tashkent rally team. So far roads in Kaz have been v good & border was a breeze - something's bound to change.
Decided to have day off in Bishkek, absolutely shattered - slept till 3pm. First cup of tea in weeks mmmm
Car starting to squeak, groan and rattle. Today's been a long, hard & hot slog. Arrived in Bishkek after midnight.
Made it to Osh in Kyrgyzstan last night, stayed in a dump of a guest house, but v tired so didn't care. Everyone wearing silly hats :-)
Made it to Tashkent. Car starting to rattle from all the bad roads - turning music up helps.
Uzbek policeman danced with joy and whooped loudly as we drove through his check point :lol:
Hello Nic from Samarkand, didn't think I'd forget did you? Cant stop though aiming for Tashkent tonight.
Relaxing afternoon in Bukhara - think Marrakech but less touristy.