Did I make the right decision?

I had always planned to go overland from London to Melbourne, once my time inLondon was complete. I loved the freedom my scooter provided in London so a motorcycle was the obvious choice, but after 3 months, temperatures upto 45C, constant attention from locals and meeting 4x4 overlanders with fridges, I had second thoughts.

Now in Nepal, about half way and the harder countries behind me, I have no regrets and still love to ride my bike. You may have noticed a few photos of the bike, that’s because I am in love with it. Many people have said you don’t need 1200cc for overlanding and they are right but bloody hell its fun to have 105HP (77KW) of power on a 300kg bike!!!

Taking a year off and travelling overland, the hours of riding has enabled me to do heaps of thinking, reflection and plans for the future. The bike has enabled me to meet and talk too locals and backpack travelling means I have met lots of great people and characters. The time has reinforced how fortunate I am!!!

So far so good, looking forward to travelling in South East Asia over the next 8 months.

Safari in the Jungle

On the plains at the bottom of the mountains, called the Terai, is the Chitwan National Park. It was here in the colonial days that the British came to shoot Rhinos, Tigers and Elephants. My guide was armed with a stick and the plan was to spend the day tracking down the animals in the park. First came a warning, if a Rhino charges, run in a zig zag and drop a piece of clothing. If a tiger attacks, look directly into the eyes and walk backwards slowly and for elephants... run for your life.

The two guides, two Kiwis, an Irish lass and myself crossed the river by dugout canoe at 7am in search big game. By lunch time we had spotted, monkeys, spotted deer, crocodiles, plenty of birds, butterfly’s and lots of Rhino’s poo.

Our guide was super confident, he has spotted Rhinos for the last 27 days and knows all the secret places to look. By 2pm we started making our way back and I doubted we would see a Rhino. Tigers are nocturnal and there are very few wild elephants left, the highlight was to be the Rhinos (3.5 tonnes which can move at 25km/h). The day ended with no spotting of a Rhino but it was a fantastic experience walking through the forest.

Luck was with us the next day on the elephant safari, spotted three Rhinos in the first 5 minutes!