Desert Storm 2013 - Recce

It is said that "THE BEST LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN OFTEN GO AWRY". Yes sir, that is correct and for this very reason MEN (such as this blogger) do recce trips. This one not so much so as a recce trip I’d say – but more of know how trip for newbie’s as me and my navigator, so as to understand the dynamics of sand driving.

L-R Teams: Newbie's, Harkaran, Ajayvir

HER 

Team Harkaran, Team Ajayvir and Team Newbie’s left Chandigarh for Sardarshahar last Friday. The memories for night are hazy, courtesy the un-avoidable party rituals. Next morning off we were to check out SS1 of DS 2012. Three Two One....GO ..................and we were lost in 30 seconds. This was during the daytime, with the GPS. Team Ajayvir was found driving 50 meters to our left on different track followed shortly by Team Harkaran. This was not good. Retraced to the start point and started again, but this time as convoy. Soon found out that desert had altered the track of previous year, and it now went through a barbed fence. 

The purpose being to drive in desert and check the vehicles, we decided to make our own track which we did for 15 odd kilometres. We were swayed to dune bashing and in no time the GPS was showing track as round round circles. It was fun. The track was then re-run, and this time at SS speeds. We decided to take detour and go through a village before hitting the dunes again. The wildlife was in abundance – peacocks, deer, camels, fox and many other un-recognizable yet fascinating mammals. Having said that, we disturbed their tranquil surroundings by our rally modified exhausts – but that was the least we could do. Back in hotel, rested and feasted on local KACHORI before heading out again to do the day track in night. A different ball game altogether, but as newbie’s we did ok. A few tips from Harkaran were in order and immediately applied on site to see the difference; it was satisfying.

L-R: Gurkie, Self, Ajayvir, Harkaran, Sarbat, Pranab (clicking pic)

So for now, it’s preparations and last minute tunings before turning the heat ON for DESERT STORM 2013. I hope we complete.

PRAY