SMS Update
What initially seemed like yet another massive cock up from the adventurist has in fact turned out into a hilarious turn of events. After a mammouth 13 hour 350 km schlep including numerous breakdowns we arrive at the border with 15 minutes to spare. Amazing we think, but alas the adventurists curse strikes and no mototaxis are allowed out of the country without a 500 dollar 'deposit'. After numerous phone balls we establish that the paperwork we need won't be ready until tomorrow morning.so having already checked out of peru and into bolivia but not being allowed into either country, we're stuck in nomansland. But after some great work from Miranda we now have 6 mattresses in the customs office and are sitting down to boil in the bag lamb curry and rice pudding. Brilliant.
SMS Update
Having driven to the border like maniacs + arriving with minutes to spare before closure we checked out of Peru and into Bolivia which involved Ginny, Andrew + Miranda sprinting up a hill at 3,800m and banging on the already closed immigration door begging to be let into the country. The next stage involved going back into Peru and getting the vehicle documents stamped for departure.... It turns out we don't have the right docs so can't take our tuk tuk out of Peru. After much chat to the rally organisers + their solicitors we can't leave tonight till the paperwork is sorted tomorrow (hopefully). We can't go into Bolivia because of leaving the vehicles behind and we can't go back into Peru because we have officially left. Luckily our new friend who heads up the immigration office has let us sleep in his office tonight. 6 mattresses lined up so it's like being back at school with police guard
SMS Update
Got to Sicuani last night 3,550m. We have had an amazing reception from locals so far, even from the police who love giving us an escort rather than giving us a fine, but in this town there was an air of hostility. When we refused to give an old beggar woman money she put a curse on us and this morning two of the bikes didn't work.... On the road again and just encountered our first llamas. All in fine fettle - it is hilarious I can only describe it as rally biking on lawn mowers.
SMS Update
Heard a pair of girls drove into a ravine but managed to escape just in time! This occured on a road we have all named Perus death road. It is literally a 3m wide dirt road with hair pin bends and at times 800m sheer drops.
The route yesterday took us over the highlands which in parts look lilke the moors. The big difference is that we are at 4085m. Lessons learnt is that all Peruvians lie about distance. We were told 16km to Abancay, this was infact 105km due to all the switch backs and ravines! Driving is now improved though hands bruised and blistered. We are now pushing for Cusco this morning and at last are on tarmac roads, heaven. @
SMS Update
Didn't quite get as far as had hoped today ie Andahuayla as there was too much faffing and the boys have wheel, spoke and drive chain issues (too much hedging and ditching) so have stopped in a town called Chincheros and it's fiesta time..... We are now in convoy with One Man and his Dog (James and Miranda). Ginny is now on the run having had a ding with a local taxi, James nearly drove off a cliff and Hugh drove into a cliff.... We are all having lots of fun albeit exhausted. The scenery is beyond awesome......@
SMS Update
So here we are... Still in huancayo after yet another days delay. Had been promised paperwork would be sorted first thing this morning but alas no such luck. Tomorrow it is. Alarm set for 4.30 am with A LOT of ground to cover. Going by test drives today we may struggle with the smallest of hills let alone the Andes. Wish us luck.
@
