The crew of car #7 were up at 0345 today and on the road by 0430. Such dedication to the rally cause. It was really lovely because although it was still dark, the roads were empty, it was cool and we arrived early enough to avoid the road closure to enable the authorities to dynamite the road.

It was a straightforward run today of 510 kms on good roads. The early part of our journey was through gorgeous farming country. It all felt quite prosperous. The villages and small towns were all immaculate with lovely municipal planting and obvious pride.

It then became rather dull really. Flattish landscape that stretched on forever, lots of trucks, searing heat and the route book that was just straight, straight, straight. The navigator had an easy time of it. We have been skirting the border with Paraguay all day whilst making our way towards Bolivia.

Such an early start meant an early arrival or all the crews at our home for the night: Dourados. Tomorrow is a long day- 100 kms more than today so car #7 will be off before first light again.

I hardly dare say it but the car has gone like a dream today - long may it continue. There are some cars with problems, inevitably, but all seem solvable tonight. Jorge had an accident today in his lovely Mercedes, fortunately no one was injured. The car is a little sick though. It is in a garage having its chassis stretched. Paddy and Scott continue to have a radiator leak and problems with a shock absorber and various other 'fixings' are being carried out by other crew.

Whilst Shooter, A. was having a well earned snooze I went for a walk around this pleasant little town. Out side our hotel there is a big plastic, very jolly, fish. It is actually a pay phone in disguise.













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