Well there are some pretty large butterfly flying around inside my tummy! We are off tomorrow morning, leaving the hotel in Beijing at 6am for the start which is 60km away on the Great Wall of China. I feel that Car 66’s crew is as ready as we will ever be. Our start time is 08.33am – what a moment!
Yesterday I was delighted that the car started and that we found the hotel seamlessly. Big smile for the rest of the day. Now the enormity of what is ahead of us has once again come home to roost.
Last night on our return from dinner we were asked by concerned staff whether there was oil leaking from the car which as you can imagine worried me not inconsiderably. Fortunately it was just water from when I opened the radiator so nothing to worry about. Unlike one of our neighbours today who managed to drive straight over his own 2ltr can of oil spreading it everywhere!!!
James and I have repacked the car, fitted a cargo net and discarded various items no longer deemed necessary. We then cruised through scrutineering, checking the car, our paperwork and our medical situation. One very grumbly American complaining that we “had already produced all the paperwork, why do we have to do it again!” Then a three hour briefing which was similar to our pre-rally briefing, including all the same slides.
I am repacking my bag so that everything I don’t need for the next couple of nights can stay in the car. I found a sweet letter from home which made me feel very missed and supported.
Now it’s off to the grand reception and the start tomorrow! Fingers crossed everyone!
RHC
Good Luck you guys, have an awesome time
ReplyDeleteGood luck lads! Looking forward to some big tales from your adventures. I'm very jealous of what you're up to. Enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteSweaty and chafing. Hammy I'd suggest you put a line down the middle of the car and not allow James to cross it. Very envious of your trip, and usual advice applies, let james drive. Happy wedding ani to James and Caron. Best, Ed
ReplyDeleteI don't think either of you will be sleeping much tonight - so excited ahead of the big push tomorrow. Good luck boys on your journey of a lifetime. Has the old girl got a name as yet? Sexy 66 - difficult to say with your teeth out!!! I think the Bingo call is "two fat ladies..... 66"
ReplyDeleteGO BOYS GO.......
Hey Maaaaates - finally managed to sign up for your blog....
ReplyDeleteRemember theres at least 5 M25 like ring roads as you leave Beijing....keep going NORTH!!
Have you tried 'Great Wall' red wine yet........don't xx Happy anniversary Caron and James...I remember Chelsea Harbour like yesterday ;))
Pab888 is me PLOPS xx
ReplyDeleteIf I understand the time-change from here, it's about 4 hours & 24 minutes to "launch." Am all set up to monitor your progress via satellite or whatever. Have shared the blog info with sundry folks so hope they too will send encouraging missives. Finally, I shall feel comfortable utilising the perhaps most inappropriately over-used word in America to describe this epic ...."awesome!!!" Bon chance, bon voyage, Kingsby.
ReplyDeletehave a fab time Ham xxx
ReplyDeleteKeep an eye on your wing mirror for no 45 (Charlie and John). Bon voyage! charlie and mills
May the road rise to meet you
ReplyDeleteMay the wind be always at your back
The sun shine warm upon your face
The rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
Bon voyage both of you!
Sheila & Richard Johnston