We started off next morning chasing Annette's Land Cruiser through Kashan heading out to the desert and dunes. Hadn't gone far before the rozzers had us up to the side of the road. Where's your passports? "Back at the hotel". Follow us to the police station!
Didn't we know that we must carry our passports. Annette stepped in on our behalf ( more kids standing around with AKs). They had to go off and phone the hotel etc. .... etc. About an hour later we're heading for the desert.
Being the old silk road, there are caravanserai dotted through the deserts. They were set up in a 40km network across the deserts for caravans to stop for the day or night. 40km is about what a decent camel can do in a day or night. There are fire towers scattered around also to act as a guide.
There were even good looking camels!
We then started heading back as Annette and friends had to drive back to Tehran. Stopped at a high point for the view.
A great day that had been dropped upon us. Some of the best things are unexpected. Thanks Annette and friends.
Didn't we know that we must carry our passports. Annette stepped in on our behalf ( more kids standing around with AKs). They had to go off and phone the hotel etc. .... etc. About an hour later we're heading for the desert.
Being the old silk road, there are caravanserai dotted through the deserts. They were set up in a 40km network across the deserts for caravans to stop for the day or night. 40km is about what a decent camel can do in a day or night. There are fire towers scattered around also to act as a guide.
There were even good looking camels!
Our encampment out in the desert. Dunes were huge and we didn't even think of walking them. Ben and Peter tried to get to the top on their bikes, but neither achieved their goal. I managed to drop the Tenere twice on the way in. Fine sand and bulldust and not enough talent brought me undone. Much better on the way out. Lower gear, more revs and up on the pegs. Not pleasant, but got out with zero offs.
Annette, our guide has lived in Tehran for about 6 years and clearly misses her Ducati Monster and as women are forbidden to ride bikes in Iran was keen for a ride and proved herself competent on Pete's DR. She cooked up a great lunch. On the way out she had her passengers sit up on the roof in the luggage rack whilst she powered through the sandy track.
A restored caravanserai on the way back to Kashan. It is possible to stay the night in these for a small fee. Next time!
This "Anette" - did she, ahem, were you, cough...
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