Karnataka, India
Day 12 and its off to mangalore in search of our fame and fortune moment as we search out the indian express to see what exposure we have been given. Its not as easy as first imagined as its an english written paper but after some advice we manage to locate 2 copies, its good, its better than we imagined, its black and white but its page 2 and in a prime position. The journalist has done an excellent job interpreting our th ** some text is missing **
Karnataka, India
Day 11 and back on the road early again-fairly uneventful driving day with Hussey and ash playing waving games in the back and fletch sleeping whilst not driving. Decided to check out the krishna temple in udupi before going to our beach accomodations in malpe-temple was pretty cool-turns out we're missing a huge festival on the 17th :(However after the temple we were approached by a journalist from the india express and fully interviewed for todays edition-will keep you all updated when we manage to find a copy! This was then followed by driving around malpe trying to find th ** some text is missing **
, Palolem Beach, Goa
Day 10 started somewhat dusty as the ramifications of consuming our own body weight in alcohol were being felt. Wally packed and bills settled we decided to only drive a short way making our destination a smaller beach resort called Palolem. We arrived mid afternoon with team mario kart in tow and got booked into one of the beach huts which dot the incredible coastline. It was by no means luxury but considering it cost less than a bondi burger (at this stage minds are fixed on western foods) and the location was second to none there were no complaints. The afternoon was spent with chatting and laughter feeling like minor celebrities as PT snapped away capturing the moment. An unemployed nomad artist came by and sketched us in the evening while we devoured a sea food platter around a raging fire. An unpredictably cold sleep ensued.
Maharashtra, India
Day 8 12.41pm just gave Wally and ourselves a rest and some lunch-it is hot hot hot. Finished up lunch with a picture at the local shop where we are now celebrities! 180km down-185 to go!!
Maharashtra, India
Day 8 7.21am-early start today-just stopped for fuel and now we're ready to put up some big numbers to try and hit goa tonight for a well deserved day off and a rest for Wally! Spirits high and all are well rested. Hwy17 all the way to panaji/anuja beach.
Maharashtra, India
Day 7 had an up when en route to murud we passed the best beach so far. Being that it was already lunch time (refer previous blog) we decided a dip was in order to refresh spirits. The water was incredibly warm and clear and while mark played the british tourist trying to avoid the waves ash and i were straight in. A fresh coconut water later and we were back on the road to pass the rajas (to our suprise) who had also been delayed. We pushed on to try and get back to highway 17 when the gps let us down and took us to the middle of nowhere. We managed to find a truck headed to roha so we followed them through some seriously mountainous terrain which richard hammond in a land cruiser would struggle. Wally was in and out of consciousness throughout mainly due to the incline making it difficult for fuel to get to his engine. At 3pm we hit the freeway and managed 2 get 150km in the bag reaching khed by 7. A day of incredible landscapes, hope the photos do justice
Maharashtra, India
Day 7 is off to an awful start, we were up and out the hotel fed and watered by 8 but our organisation was quickly scuppered by a wrong turn causing us to get lost in the back roads of alibag. This however was the least of our problems when Wally decided enough was enough, some spark plug scrubbing seemed to fix him at only temporarily as he continued to splutter and stall. We were very lucky to always break down within proximity of someone willing to lend a hand. After the delicate touch of a rickshaw mechanic Wally seemed to be smiling again when he gave up the plight once more. This time a crowd of locals gave their advice only to discover that embarrassingly Wally was just thirsty. En route to murud fingers are crossed. ** some text is missing **
Maharashtra, India
Day 6 was a great day-now that ash and Huss are healthy an early start with high hopes was in order. Avoiding the highway after yesterday's grime-fest resulted in some amazing sunny hill side driving, awesome winding roads and huge smiling faces and waves to greet us as always. After a great fresh roadside lunch with ice cream for dessert it was time to push on and try to successfully circum-navigate mumbai. Traffic around mumbai was predictably mental and we had a little night driving to do to get to alibag but we made it safe and sound for some fresh seafood dishes and beers with the rickshaw rajas. Roll on goa for the full moon party and a full day off!!
Daman and Diu, India
Day 5 and the quiet times didn't last long. Some great scenery close to our destination and the first beach-side accommodation. Our first encounter with the highway and after 2 hours we were pleased we'd avoided it thus far. Dusty, busy and generally incredibly boring. It was on the highway that we did start to smell someone burning plastic. After checking the rear view to make sure it wasn't Wally we settled on a fire in the distance. After passing the fire and the smell remaining we again began to look closer to home. Ash immediately shouted for the stop as it had become evident Hussey's small bag was alight. The ghetto radio installed in Jaisalmer had turned into a portable cooking device. Adam enjoyed watching Hussey toss his belongings across the roadside and then proceed to stamp on them though... Luckily no major damage done (and that the fire didn't reach the tissues, toilet paper or matches)
Gujarat, India
Day 4 and a relatively uneventful day! Wally was unwell in parts but nothing major, while Mark had his worst day. The amazing royal suite in the hotel to make sure everyone was fit and healthy for day 5.
