The final push to Kottayam

Well, the final day has arrived and we are preparing for the final drive to our destination of Kottayam. After the morning ritual of route notes, 'skid mark' awards and also 'muppet of the day' which was today awarded to The Top Gunga Team for offering another team their fuel gauge should they run out of fuel, as 'in flight refuelling' was unavailable.

Once underway we encountered the normal hairpin bends again, up and down the hills and mountains, which led us into the tea plantations and spice growing ares of Cardomom county near Thekkady. The route covered 190 kms running through towns some of which were noticable affluent in comparison to all of the previous days.
As short stop for lunch in a nice drive in resturant and were we had a few dishes including ginger prawns, and some spicy noodles.

We knew today was all about the safe afternoon arrival and finish of the event which was to see us all line up and prepare for the final drive into our overnight and final location. Sadly when we arrived we noticed that one of the other crews had had an accident. Luckily they were stationary at the time but the oncoming overtaking bus removed most of their front offside wing and front bumper. After a quick pit stop at the local blacksmith they were underway again. So far, albiet with many close shaves, the whole team had come out unscathed.

Once we parked up at the holding area we had some photo's taken, we also presented some cheques to Nick at the Karma team, with Amy from the Rainbow Trust and Briony, who is a volunteer helper with that organisation and her husband Peter present.
That is after all what this event has been all about.

We then headed into the overnight hotel where we were greated by two fabulous Indian Elephants dressed in traditional headress, whilst listening to the beating drums played very loudly, and being offered fresh coconut to drink. What a fantastic end to a great day!.

We then proceeded to get ready for the evenings function which mean dressing up in traditional Indian dress. We had been forewarned that this was going to happen so most had made the effort to purchase items along the way to enjoy the evening.
The evening's event was held outside on a balmy evening during which was greatly enhanced with an Indian band playing traditional music.
there were a few announcements and some presentations. We were all given T shirts, certificates and a model af the Ambassador, 'made to the same build quality as the real car'!!!

We tried to take as many photo's as possible. They will all be posted. We hope you enjoy them.

Steve & George