Uralskto Kostanay

We left the luxury of ourhotel in Uralsk and headed for Aktobe. We had been warned about the road by counless people but it was our only real option without taking a 1000 mile detour. Leaving town we passed a road sign reading 'Good Luck!', a slightly disconcerting but humerous sign.

After driving an a good tarmac road for about an hour we passed a flock of  camels, and stopped to take some photos. While we where stopped two Kazakh men pulled up and told us it would be best to follow them to Aktobe as the road was very bad. We did so but I think some people where certain they where going to slaughter us. After following them on good roads till sun down we pulled up to camp.

The Kazakhs where called Boris (who spoke perfect English) and Vorishfjfgsj (who didnt speak any English). They told us about the political situation in Kazkhstan and how many people longed for the Soviet Union, they where very interesting. Vorishfkgbjhd used to be in the Soviet Navy patrolling the Black Sea in a Cruiser. They also spent some time teaching me some Russian. We went to bed and Boris told us we had to be up at 4am in order to make Aktobe by lunchtime, and he warned us that in 10k the tarmac will run out.

We arose early and set off heading fro the shit roads. When they came they where truelly terrible. They where just entirely made of sand, dust and potholes. I was thouroughly enjoying myself, my tactis was to hang back and as soon as I spotted someone getting into trouble in some deep sand,just floor it and beam through. Not sure If it was the correct technique but it was a lot of fun.

Eventually leading the way Boris got stuck on some sand, we attempted to push him out but it wasn't working. The Hilux had to come to the rescue and pull him out. Next up was the Golf, it took a big run up but proceded to get stuck in more of less tha same place as Boris. The Hilux pulled they out, then just as i was getting excited to take on the sand, it was decided it would be best toruen back and find another route.

We ploghed on on another route up and down steep sand covered hills, it was excellent fun. We made it back onto tarmac and into Aktobe. Our car was covered in dust, and our fake website address was unreadable.

Boris took us to a garage to attempt to fix our fuel pipe, he then proceded to go to the local market on his own to try and find a replacement pipe, he was most helpfull man i've ever met.

The pipe that Boris got wasnt the right size so the mechanic attempted to pull the pipe out the way, it helped a bit but its still not fixed.

For the next two days we drove for a long time on variable roads from Aktobe to Kostanay, next stop is Astana. Hopefully will make it in two days, but the Sgogun is having a few problems so could take longer.

Al