What a day!

We were set the task of driving 730km today in solid rain through mountain passes upto 2300m with 2 time trials. By 8pm this evening only 12cars had arrived at the nominated 'dry' hotel!

As I suggested last might we had developed A cunning plan. Led by Paddy Walker of the now famous 'Paddy Tours' we decide to a. Not do the time trials and b. Go to an entirely different hotel. What a fantastic decision!

It rained all day, not stopping for a moment. Very, very tiring.

I did awake at one point (when I was navigating rather than driving) to find that we were travelling at >100kmph in driving rain, worn tires (we have done >10000km) and 1934 brakes. Not ideal for your blood pressure! The only response I got was 'yes but the road is fantastic' - true in a DBS bit not a Lagonda.

We avoided a route which resulted in numerous crews being absolutely terrified and one crashing. In the meantime another couple of cars crashed on the main road. Mayhem in all directions. We kept resolutely out of all the problems and arrived at 4.30pm this afternoon. About 15 cars joined us and we have had a very jolly evening. More cars are expected to join is over the next few hours.

Tomorrow we have to do 50km on excellent roads against the official route of 50km on tracks! Then it's off up the motorway to our hotel.

All is well with car and tomorrow we will be near Istanbul.

RHC

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