We crossed into Columbia with no trouble . We crossed the mountains and reached Popayan and then Armenia.Peters truck broke down, this time it was the front differential. He got a tow truck and we found a car park which allowed us to stay with them and sleep there. On the Monday we went to the local office of customs only to be informed categorically that we could not leave the trucks behind when we left the country. This was obviously a real headache and we were rather unsure what to do .As we had the e mail of a very nice couple we had met in Ecuador we got in touch and asked them if they thought we would be able to leave them there. Meanwhile Peter contacted the Landrover garage in Quito and asked them the same question. Both replied that it was possible and so after having the diff rebuilt in Armenia, we spent 3 days driving back to Quito about 1000 km.
Here we went to the garage and started sorting the paperwork. The garage have done this before and we came up with a list of problems on the trucks which will necessitate them staying there whilst we fly home.
This has been a rather stressful time as you can imagine and I think we will be relieved when we start the journey home, first flying from Quito to Bogota and then home.
We have spent the last weekend on a hacienda in the countryside, cleaning and sorting every thing out. There has been a huge horse event going on all weekend and we have watched an exciting cross country event which involved the horses and riders swimming at one point. As usual everyone is very friendly and so laid back it has been fun.
will try to post this from the hostel in Quito on Tuesday.
See you all soon
Xxxxxxxx