An introduction

The last time Mandy and I did an adventure together was in autumn of 2010 when we went gorilla trekking in the Rwenzori mountains of Uganda.  The time before was the summer of 1990 when, as single mums, we took our four children, then aged 2, 4, 6 and 8 backpacking for six weeks in Turkey.  

Our entry into this charity rally came about after Mandy was telling me how disappointed she was to find out that she couldn't do another, longer rally later this year.  As we chatted on the phone, I Googled 'car rallies'.  Screwball Rally 2013 - it sounded as though it was designed for us.  What are the lyrics of that Eagles song?  "Life in the fast lane, surely make you lose your mind ...".  Too late, too late!

The more we read about it the more we liked the sound of it.  A rally through France, into Spain and back to the UK in five days in late September.  Vehicle to cost no more than £750.  Raising money for a good cause.  Meeting up with like-minded screwballers.  What's not to like? 

Bentley

First choice to consider was Bentley, Mandy's customised Ford van (avec la girafe).  Reliable, cheap to run, save on accommodation.  Sadly, Bentley's MOT had just run out and it was unclear how much would be needed to get him through.

And so the search began ...