We decided that it was now time to try and get this Polo to UB without any more garage stops. Enough.

We had lost Michael and Brian at this stage and were trying to catch them up. Difficult when there are no roads, just hundreds of tracks in the vague direction of the place you think you want to go towards. I have learnt to read a compass (never really paid that much attention in Girl Guides!)

We camped with the Italians - thanks very much for the Bruchetta! We then headed off to our first big river crossing. Super fun.

The dust was not however, after 6 days driving in a dust storm, everything was covered, and will continue to be covered for many months to come. It was not possible to explain it. Only video. Later, when I finish counseling about it.

The Polo had her first incident free days in Mongolia. A miracle.

We finally caught up with Michael and Brian on the last strech before UB. only 250 kms to go. Amazing stuff.

At 100kms to go, Mongolia gave us another lesson in counting chickens. just don’t do it here.

The 2 UB's polo front wheel snapped away (are you feeling a trend here?). Once again, all seemed lost. At least we were only 100kms away. A tow or a truck seemed the only option. We should have known, there is always more options than that!!

A truck stopped. Then a mechanic stopped. The shocks and wheel brace was taken out. Then it left to go 30 kms to te nearest town, while we camped and had a final meal of Marks and Spencers Sag Bol and Rice. The next morning the mechanic reappeared with this family, reattached the part and away we were again. Like it was a normal thing. Bloody Amazing.

100kms from UB. 100kms out of 15,000kms. I almost cried.

Another River Crossing 

Car and Ger

 Line of Rally Cars 120kms from UB

Final Camp

Another day, another garage.

This is getting ridiculous, there is only three towns between the Mongolian border and half way towards UB, and we have stopped at all three to go the garage and get the Polo fixed. Ohg well, at least Carl’s Russian vocab on car parts has improved!!

After two hours, the Polo had a new weld holding the front wheel onto the car, and a new fuel pump from a Hyundai. Another master bodge from the Genius Mongolian mechanics.

We trundled onwards towards UB. Only 1000kms to go. What could go wrong now?

After heading off in convoy with Michael and Brian, we were struggling with the petrol fumes from the new pump (at least it was working - a small price to pay), when another bloody wishbone bolt went on the front left wheel (see day 1 for the front right story).

This time, with our spare bolts, the boys fixed it within 40 mins. They have really turned into a grand prix team. I however, tend to stand around and ask stupid questions, annoy with the video camera or have a chat with the locals that generally turn up within a couple of minutes!

Mick Car Surfing (boys fav past time expect for drinking Vodka)