Nothing can stop us now

Another milestone reached over the weekend and we haven't even got the car to the start line yet.

Finally, the beaurocracy is finished. But it wasn't without its controversy. I had to make the decision to abandon the arrangements made to meet an Iranian National at the Barzagan border of Iran/Turkey, so that he could arrange our Carnet to get the car through. The decision was reached after there were simply too many requests for contraband and money. The idea of taking a bottle of Scotch into Iran was the final straw. I started to have visions of Midnight Express and the sleepless nights started.

After some frantic face-booking, and some help from fellow ralliers (Many thanks), I contacted the good old RAC who, in typical friendly manner, are going to sort out the Carnet in 10 days. So, without the need for loss of extremities, we have customs clearance for Iran.

I want to point out that in our desire to have Iranian endorsements on our passports, we have paid a heavy price. Over £400 in official paperwork to spend what will be a couple of days in Northern Iran. It had better be worth it.

The visas are also completed thanks to a mammoth effort by the rally's 'Visa Machine', but the real purpose of this entry is to pay tribute to one of the erstwhile unsung heroes of our quest to get moving.

Yes folks, a big shout goes out to the man in the Green Tree with the pint of Pitchfork. Lets hear it for the big D.A.D. My longsuffering father, Malcolm Ward. The man who, through his generosity, has ensured that his (not so) little boy, gets safe passage through about 10 countries.

Pater, I am, as always, in awe. Thankyou.

We are now less than 3 weeks from d-day. Then the fun really starts.

You know where to put those beams? Low of course!