Late postings because of lack of internet connections! Thursday to come!6.30, breakfast and ready for an 8.30 departure - all 20 cars, and back up team of 4-wheel drives, motor bikes and the ambulance starting together for a 250km drive. The first 30 km, despite being on a highway, were terrible, with the road pot holes and rutted, average speed being kept down to about 10 km/h: already one car has lost its sump, although the mechanice were able to quickly replace it! Chai stop and regrouping after 83km and arrive at Nagor Fort at midday. A fascinating set of remains from the 16th century in which we were allowed to roam free and climb to the summit for a marvellous view of the surrounding countryside!Later in the afternoon a number of us got lost for reasons still not understood, we had the mechanics travelling behind us - who are supposed to know the way - and when we went to ask them where we were they still thought we were back at the fort! We retraced steps for a km or two and got in behind a half dozen Ambis going the other way until we were all regrouped a little later down the route.
We travelled further into the rain forest, through busy towns and villages, until the last 30km was driven in the dark - with pot holes, cows in the road, no street lights and trucks without lights! However, following cars all seeemd to be missing headlight dip switches! Exciting times!
Finally we arrived at Silent Valley Resort, a group of past their sale by huts in the jungle. To say that this was basic is an understatement, and they were not at all pleasent to sleep in.
After dinner we all sat around a fire whilst the Doc entertained us on his guitar until at almost 2330, we had no option but to return to the room. Into sleeping bags and try and sleep. Lets not dwell too much on the reasons, but suffice to say that a previous attendee had found a cobra in the room, and one of the medics had told us of a very large spider dropping from the rafters when he was getting dressed!
However, every incentive to get up early and get out of there - but unfortunately we had to wait for everyone else!
Have had to do a big catch on what you you are up to as have been bogged down with UK drudgery. It sounds to me that you are both going to be able to dine out on this adventure for a life time. I am trying to imagine you both living like like boys scouts on camp with a sprinkling of potentially deadly bed mates. I am not sure you will ever be able to return UK driving etiquette after having to fight for your survival on the roads too. Here's hoping you are not forced bring a dead cow home with you on your return! Enjoy the heat while you can as its -4 here! Anita
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