Two weeks to go

We are now only 2 weeks away from leaving for Bejing. The Visa agency in London has confirmed that our passports are now at the Turkmenistan Embassy and we should have them back within the week. Now we have to organise our clothing, make the final choices etc. and put some dried food together for those days when Goat and Yak do not appeal! We are getting excited but also quite nervous, hoping that Flora will start in Bejing and that we will be able to navigate the course well. We will keep you posted.

OFF TO BEJING JULY 21ST.2010

Last Wednesday we delivered Flora to the warehouse in Vancouver. The previous few days were a little trying as it was decided to change the carburettor at the last moment and we had a difficult time adjusting the new carb! We then packed the boxes and Colin very kindly catalogued each tool and spare part into an alphabetical list as to where they all are!I am hoping that when Lloyd asks for the Snips or Come along I shall know exactly where they are in the car . That is if I can remember what they look like!

After a thank you Brunch for all of our friends who have helped us along the way we set off for the ferry with no problems. Next time we see Flora we will be in Bejing where the fun will really start. Must admit I am more than nervous at the prospect!

We now have 4 of our visas and 4 more to obtain. At the moment we are applying for Russia, Iran and China. We then have to send the passports back to the U.K.for the Turkmenistan visa. We are keeping more than our fingers crossed that we will have them in time.

Next job is our clothes and food items and then some more practice with the G.P.S.

The Big Moment

Friday May 7th. was the day we have all been waiting for. Flora was driven out of the barn for the first time! After a quick tour around the driveway we set out to deliver her to Kenny Butcher to have a custom exhaust fitted. Treacy followed in the truck. All was going well at first but after 35km. Flora ground to a halt and refused to go any further. I should add that it was now 9pm. and dark! We called a flatbed tow truck and delivered her to Kenny at 11pm. The original idea was to of dropped her off and then go out for dinner, needless to say we arrived home at midnight and had peanut butter sandwiches. Whilst I was sitting in the truck in the dark waiting for Lloyd and Kenny to turn Flora around I thought this might well happen on the rally in Turkmenistan or some such country and I had better get used to it!

Success!

Yesterday at 3pm. the engine was cranked and yes she started first time! With a few adjustments to the timing and much tinkering under the bonnet Flora roared into being. There was much jubilation as you can imagine and now we feel that we have a good chance of getting her to the Shipping agent on time. !! I was imagining being at the start at the Great Wall! The next step is to have the new exhaust fitted and then some long awaited time trials!! More photos to follow soon.

TheThe 'Skipper 'with bucket in hand as the radiator springs a leak!!!