I woke early, as expected and made a quick breakfast of bread, cold meats, jam and the ever popular, cup of tea. I suspect my little cache of English teabags is going to run out before I get to the Pacific coast, but I will be into India tomorrow, so should be able to buy something decent.
I approached a few people with my fuel can to get an idea of where I could get any petrol, and I was told that there was a large petrol station as I headed out of town. I wasn’t that low, but it probably makes sense to top up wherever possible. Out on the main road (N70) I pulled into the Jogezai petrol station. There are not too many actual petrol stations on this stretch, and the ‘man at the side of the road’ is a more common sight. This is true entrepreneurial spirit, and just goes to prove the staying power of the Pakistani people.
My journey today takes me to Lahore in the north east of where I am. I will be taking all day to get there, and hope that the roads are clear and in good condition. I expect to experience some great scenery.
 What a beautiful mish-mash of terrain. |
 I stop off only to get fresh water. |
Only an hour up the road I pull over into Mekhtar to fill up my water bottles. Water is not as free-flowing out here as it is at home. I ask at a store and am guided to a water pump. It’s very warm today, and I enjoy the drive, even if it is constant. Nine hours according to Google maps, but local knowledge tells me it is a little slower in places. The main N70 is largely clear, but travelling through some of the smaller towns offer damaged roads. Tonight I need to get to Lahore and a hot bath. I have ‘booked’ a room in Hotel One The Mall using Expedia.com, a reasonable grade hotel in the very centre of the city, so getting there a little late shouldn’t be a problem.