Dick Dastardly and Mutley

Dick Dastardly and Mutley were always up to all sorts of tricks usually getting ahead of the other competitors in the Wacky Races to divert them or set some cunning trap. I don’t want any such accusations about myself and Mutley, or do I mean James.

 

I have just returned from a week’s holiday with family in Tuscany and upon examining the route map have discovered that we were staying slap bang on the route in Castellina in Chianti. How weird is that? I know the turn in Castellina which we need to take, not an easy one and one which various cars will no doubt miss. More importantly I know a very nice Trattoria 1km off the route run by a lovely blond Italian where James and I will lunch! It’s the most beautiful countryside but will really test our gear changing abilities. The roads are very steep and very windy.

 

I can assure you that, apart from identifying a very nice Trattoria, I have done nothing Dick Dastardly’ish in Chianti.

 

Busy week ahead with last minute challenges. Not least of all is teaching Alice how to change the light bulbs (about 30 different varieties!). At least “the janitor” will know that he will be missed whilst away on his travels!

 

My passport came back with all my visas whilst I was away. The sat phone arrived so just funds now required. Some competitors have not been able to get their Turkmenistan visas in London and are having to try and get theirs in Beijing. I feel James and I have been very lucky not to have to go through that hassle.

 

RHC