Central, Sri Lanka

Just helped wash and then rode an elephant, awesome! Off on a 4 day tour of the country. Today we go the old capital city and endin ** some text is missing **

Western Province, Sri Lanka

I have made my way to Sri Lanka to meet Zara and relatives. Having a great time and trying to get a visa for India tomorrow. N

Astana, Kazakhstan

After sight seeing this morning I am now at the airport flying to Abu Dhabi this evening! Sad to leave the rally but unfortunately there was no way I could continue! I'm going to keep updating the blog regardless at least until Jim gets back to London! N

Oral, Kazakhstan

Sadly the truck has died (well almost)!  The prop is about to go again, the rear diff is about to go and the gearbox and engine are leaking and whining - not to mention the knackered front suspension.  Even if the mechanics here understood what was wrong and we had the money to fix it new issues are occurring on a daily basis and we can't afford to keep fixing it!

We've decided since we're in a town with an airport we're going to try and get rid of it legally so we can leave the country without getting arrested.  We then plan to fly to Astana (capital of Kazakhstan) where we'll spend a couple of days.  Jim is planning to head to Semey or Barnaul to hitch with other teams but Nick is unsure as cannot easily fly with sleeping bag, tent etc as stupidly bought over-sized kit!  

We're spending another night in Oral tonight and then will speak to DHL in the morning about shipping some gear to UK and then go to customs to enquire about leaving the truck.  We hope to fly to Astana tomorrow evening and have night out and see the sights.

Very gutted that the adventure with the truck is over but we started getting problems on day one and never thought we'd get as far as we have. 

West Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan

Had a fantastic morning but sadly our prop is going again amongst other things and think the truck may die here! We'll see in the morning! On a massive downer this evening! We sadly heard today that there has been a rally team crash causing one fatality and leaving two critical! It puts things in perspective and our thoughts are with their families and loved ones!

Astrakhan, Russian Federation

We made it to Astrakan about 10pm last night after an extremely hot ride dodging wild fires! We thought we'd get a hotel with a few other teams before hitting the border. Really nice rooms but we got ripped off big time on food. We passed a McDonalds last night and is the first I've seen since Belgium, gonna get breakfast and then hit the border - wish us luck.@

Province of Astrakhan, Russian Federation

We're travelling south from Volgograd to Astrakhan. It's about 40 degrees and just barren plains around us! So hot! We didn't realise it would be as barren and with 60km between services we could do with some food and water.@

Province of Volgograd, Russian Federation

stayed an extra day in Vol to rest up and see what to do about truck when it dies. Went for a few beers last night and heading off shortly with other teams to see the statue and then head for the Kazakh border.@

Province of Volgograd, Russian Federation

Just made it to Volgograd and in a budget hotel. No air con or wifi but at least it's a bed! Staying tomorrow night as well so might find a nicer hotel. We think a piston ring is going on the truck as have massively reduce power and would be too costly to fix! Watch tis space... Beers are calling after a thorough wash!

Rostov-on-Don, Russian Federation

Within 30 min of getting into Russia last night we got pulled by the police! They want a fairly hefty bribe for no reason! Welcome to Russia... Slept in the truck last night and pressed on at 6:45am! In Rostov the valve went on our front tyre and without a jack or breaker bar were a bit screwed! We patched it with tape and got to a (another) garage to get it fixed and they fixed a puncture in our spare as well. Heading for Volgograd tonight but a long way and we're making slow progress!