Day 36: Gonder - Gedaref
The team was up at 4:30 this morning and after packing the bikes, having breakfast and receiving our packed lunches, we pulled out of the hotel at 6:00, looking forward to putting as much distance between Ethiopia and ourselves. The first part of the road from Gonder was very pleasant and just as the team was getting settled into the drive, Ethiopia had to throw us one last test, a muddy mountain pass. This pass which wound its way to Metema, the Ethiopian Border town, was under construction, leaving a narrow, muddy road that was infested with large, speeding trucks and very slippery sections. In one case, Rob having forgotten to turn off his ABS, found himself entering a muddy section and having his brakes not work due to the ABS, ended up putting his feet down and stopping Flintstones style. Once we had survived this mountain pass the team made their way to Metema and after wading through a small bog to get to the Immigration Office, the team was finally out of Ethiopia and on their way to Sudan. On the Sudan side of the border, things progressed very slowly and after the Immigrations officer took a 20 minute tea break in the middle of filling out our forms we eventually made it through into Sudan, hoping that the grass was greener on the other side. Sudan is quite an amazing place, it is the first African country besides South Africa that has Ambulances on standby on the side of the road, and unfortunately however it also has numerous roadblocks that insist on checking your passports and filling in the log book. By this time the cold of the Simien Mountains had started to look very attractive, as we pushed on through a massive sandstorm in 40 degree Celsius. Eventually we arrived just outside Gedaref, where we stopped to fill up with fuel. There we were approached by a policeman whose road block we had just blown through, and Grant managed to attract the attention of a large Sudanese man, who was far too cuddly for the teams liking. Once we had filled in the policeman’s log book and taken a few pictures with the over cuddly man, we set off into Gonder to the El – Motwakil Hotel. On arriving at the hotel, the team was very disappointed to find out that the Hotel had a small cricket problem, which lead to some night time melodies, and that alcohol was illegal in Sudan. The team, after showering in a shower that had only one temperature, in a bathroom that sported a hose instead of toilet paper, assembled in the restaurant for a very non-alcoholic beverage and some rather good Italian pizza.
The muddy mountain pass.
Les and Rob waiting on the rest of the team.
The rest of the team.
Craig taking in the scenery.
The team taking a rest after the pass.
The 'pom' makes a plan.
Waiting on the Sudanese side of the border.
Grant making a few friends.
Grant and the over cuddly Sudanese man.
The over-cuddly man trying his luck with Les.
COMMENTS
Hey Grant,you and the Sudanese man make a great couple.Hope you not planing on staying and settling down in Sudan.
by Quinton Warne on July 02 2009, 17:38
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Hi All,
I could not help laughing when I read your page today, quite an adventure...
the photos are nice, specially: witn your "cuddly" local friend!
GOOD LUCK
by ELISABETH AUMOND on July 02 2009, 18:33
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You have travelled a long way just to meet the cuddly man - Les looks happy with the embrace - 2nd time he is smiling
by Clive on July 02 2009, 20:42
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Looks like Grant made a new friend and he may be a little too close for comfort. B)
by Rebecca on July 02 2009, 23:20
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Adventure seems to suit you boys as you all look so relaxed and well. Go well...this is an amazing story in the making.
by Angela on July 03 2009, 08:45
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Pics look awesome, i am still jealous! can't wait to hear more details when you're back Mark. Safe journey for uyour last part!!
Regards
Dex
by Dex on July 03 2009, 13:07
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Nice one Grant the cuddly man looks like he really likes you ;). It looks like a cool trip , it dosen t look that hard at all. Uncle Mark u look like you have lost a lot of weight must be the chicken delight from the prison canteen. Hope you are . .more
by Ryan and Greg curlewis on July 03 2009, 15:42
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You boyz are all amazing! What a trip! We have followed the highs and lows of your progress with much interest, and wish you safe travelling for the last couple of weeks. Thanks to Noeleen who has let you go - she's amazing too! Love from all the . .more
by Judy Gooden on July 04 2009, 01:44
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Guys, I'm convinced that if you had done this trip on bicycles instead, you would have had fewer mechanical problems and attracted fewer cuddly men. Nevertheless, great going!
by Kean on July 04 2009, 11:18
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Hi Les
what a smile with the cuddly man
by jose rosario on July 04 2009, 17:18
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Sitting and reading about your adventures is scary enough - your hearts must be in your throats for much of the journey. We admire your courage and staying power. Your photos are spectacular. Keep it up guys, good luck and ride safely. Not far to . .more
by Heather and Duncan on July 04 2009, 23:33
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Hi there.Have so enjoyed reading your news especially the long ,very well written one from Paul.What an awesome experience.I feel for you having to have cold showers after such tough times on your bikes but thats Africa for you.We are all thinking . .more
by Katja Patrick on July 05 2009, 21:05
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