Hamless
Today’s report needs to start with an apology. Not a page 94 apology, but a real one. Humble pie, etc. Although I have included him in photos, I have not mentioned him in the scribbling. Tobs – you are a brick, and we all love you. I would also like to point out that Tobs did not bring this omission to my attention; I realised it myself, and I am sorry. (Alright, alright, get on with the blog. – Ed.)
Today, we were once again largely Hamless. What I mean by this is that Ham handed the keys (metaphorically) to David this morning. David has one speed from which he chooses not to deviate. Although Nigel’s car is man enough for it (surely Louisa is a girl?), the Rolls and the Vauxhall care not to drive at 105 kph, and so the party split. Again. Never mind, we caught up eventually – 8 km from the hotel – when they found a perfect photo spot but had to wait most of the afternoon for us to get there…
Another remarkable drive through incredible scenery. For some, it was marred by the heavy traffic of Chinese lorries, but for others (see above), it was a chance to put the acceleration of one Lagonda through its paces.
The trucks are all part of this area’s Belt and Road project, of which I am sure you know – indeed, I have mentioned it a couple of times – but to see it taking shape is a thing to behold. The Chinese get stuff done. There is a truly awesome amount of concrete taking shape on top of stilts, covering bridges, being slotted in prefab-style. Once it is done, what are all the workers going to do? What will they do with the hundreds of thousands of lorries, cement mixers, etc.? The mind boggles.
A little car fettling this evening. Nigel is attending to his car, we hope not in a serious way. The Vauxhall has been playing up a bit more. We are high – 3,500 m – in a hotel with an unusual name: The Sunset Mountain Reflects Snow Hotel in Zoige. The plugs keep sooting up. Earlier today, I weakened the mixture in the carbs (Paddy: help desk), but still the same problem. I checked the points (Paddy?). All to no avail. David helped me. Faulty HT leads were diagnosed. Happily, having carried a spare set around with me on every rally for years, I found them in the spares box. But I had not included the king lead (am I boring you?) and had to go begging. That nice man Nigel, without hesitation, gave up one of his. I mention this technical detail so I can thank Nigel publicly.
So it is: this post starts with an apology for one occupant of Car 23, mentions Louisa’s long legs, and ends with thanks to the driver. I will be in their good books by now.
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