Together in Trongsa

The two groups came together in Trongsa today and tales of adventures from both sides are myriad.  I don't think there will ever be agreement on who had the more challenging drive!

For the Phobjhika crew, the morning dawned with sub zero temperatures, sharp frost and enchanting light on the gorgeous valley. We were very cosy, however, with wood burning stoves and hot water bottles. In the morning, the plumbing let us down and we had no water. Not a single moan was heard though as all agreed it was nothing compared to overnighting in such a spine tingling, magical place.

For the short group, what should have been a relatively straightforward journey, was anything but.  Massive road widening works along the whole route provided the crews with much to deal with.  It was only an 80kms day, but even the fastest crews - Adrian and George and Adele and David, took nearly 5 hours, arriving a good two hours before the rest, who were held up while the mountain was dynamited. It was another day of mud, rock, narrow ledges, landslides, massive drops and great care was needed especially for the low cars - the two Jaguars and the enormous Buick of Peter and Jane.

The BMW of Roger and Maggie Allen had more electrical issues and, whilst a make shift repair was effected, they had to rush to beat the dark as they had no lights.  Far sighted Maggie carries a portable horn and so at least they were able to make a noise on the blind bends.  No other cars, on either route have reported any mechanical problems.  

On the long route, most agreed that it was a great, although extremely challenging drive.  As with the short route, there were narrow ledges and huge drops. Experienced rallyists Ross Oakman and Frank Bird said it was one of most difficult days driving they'd ever had. Alastair Caudwell arrived exhilarated and declared it a fantastic day.

Bill and Biddy Bolsover came across a group of golden langur monkeys who were throwing rocks into the road.  They swerved to avoid them, luckily into the cliff, and ended up in a ditch. Luckily, Xavier and Ines were just behind them in a Prado and were able to pull them out.

Everyone has had a great 48 hours, stories are being swapped with each side bragging that their routes needed more skill and  tenacity.  I'm sure it will never end and the drops will become bigger and the ledges narrower - not that they need embroidering!

Tomorrow we all go to Bumthang, the geographic heart of Bhutan.