Altai Republic, Russia
Waiting at the border now, should have opened 40 mins ago - there's a pretty big queue and we heard that the mongolians are not familiar with queues! About 10 rally vehicles all absolutely nose to tail...@
Altai Republic, Russia
Nuts. The Russian side of the Russia - Mongolia border is closed on Sundays. Just gonna have to wait until tomorrow morning to get through. Lots of other teams here though!@
Altai Republic, Russia
Nearing our final border crossing now! We're trying to replace the punctured tyre, but it doesn't seem to be a very popular size here! Reports say that Mongolia is going to be pretty hardcore, so we're gearing up for it and gritting our teeth. Camped up last night with the Scottish lads - its freezing in this part of Russia! The odometer has just ticked to 10000 miles as I write this - and we've felt every mile!
, Mana River, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia
Not too far to the border now. Driving with 3 Scottish lads in an American ambulance - 6.5 litre diesel engine, what a machine! Probably not going to make it tonight, so we're going to pitch up when we're near and try it tomorrow - although it might be closed tomorrow as well... Hmm, might have to wait until Monday!
Barnaul, Russia
Left a little later than planned this morning and now heading for the Mongolian border, our final crossing! Russians are fantastic, they are so interested in what you're doing and happy to see you. Sad to be leaving
Barnaul, Russia
Mad Russians! Artem, a lad that we met just earlier today has found us a hotel and then taken us all out for a meal and drinks! Crazy vodka drinking!@
Barnaul, Russia
We're in Russia! And what a journey it has been to get here. This is our 28th day on the road. We chalk up a tally mark on the dashboard every time we do 1000 miles. And the 9th mark has just gone up. Met our first team in 3 days at the border and are heading to Barnaul with them tonight. "Argyll on tour" from Oban, Scotland are also just up ahead. Camped in a field last night and got hit by a massive thunderstorm, so everything is soaking, so we're going to try and hostel it tonight to dry off!
Shiderti, Kazakhstan
Finally found them in a petrol station. The norm then occurred and Dougal was pulled over by the police. We weren't speeding or doing anything illegal, they were just after money... After about 45 mins of "dumb foreigner" they let us off with a 500 Hungarian forint fine (about $2.50) and cigarette a to the head honcho. Now approaching Pavlodar, and should arrive in a couple of hours.
Shiderti, Kazakhstan
Didn't leave Kustanay till 5pm yesterday, as our immigration cards had to be stamped at the hotel. A lovely city though - much less barren than southern Kazakhstan! We even got a little tour by the lovely lady working in the hotel! We drove out of town until about 12:30 and another had nasty nights sleep in the car. We always get on the road early after sleeping in the car though, and so arrived in Astana by half ten - a quick lunch stop was made... HAM SANDWICHES!
Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan
Just driven past the Russian Cosmodrome in the Kazakh desert. What a place, truely in the middle of nowhere. Been stopped by the police twice today, and didn't get away with it the second time... Also came across another rally going the other way - London - Tashkent!@
