UK2KL UPDATE

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For those who I haven't managed to speak to I regret to inform you that my father passed away on the 28th December. Although his prognosis had not been good his death still came as a shock to the whole family. The only comfort Joy and I can draw from this tragic event is that we managed to get back from India in time and spend a few precious weeks with him. He was a very brave man and remained dignified until the end. We stayed in Wrexham with my mother until after the funeral and then returned to Exmouth in mid January. Since then we have had plenty of time to reflect and think about the future.

Although my father was very pleased to see us when we returned from India, and we spent many hours together talking about our adventures, he was upset that we had had to curtail our trip. Therefore with this in mind and after much deliberation we have decided to continue with our travels. By the time we got the bikes back home (thankfully undamaged) it wasn't economically viable to return to India so we have therefore decided to fly straight to the Far East to finish off the last leg. We fly to Singapore on the 26th March and will spend the next 4 months travelling around the region. Our plan is to cycle up the east coast of Malaysia to Thailand. We will then head NE to Laos and then south to Cambodia before re-entering Thailand and finally back onto Malaysia, this time keeping to the west coast We will finish our trip in Kuala Lumpur as originally planned and after a short break will return to the UK on the 1st August.

This has been a difficult period for us but we are now looking forward to moving on and getting back on the road again.

Steve & Joy

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Comments

[Jon Symon]

Sympathy, Support and Singapoe Slings
Steve and Joy, Firstly, my deepest symapthy for your loss and although I didn't know your dad I do know that as a Scott he must have been a hell of a bloke! Secondly, I have only glanced at your trip now and then as you have filled me with complete envy - I know it has been tough, but I know a shit day in the saddle is ten times better than a good day in the office. You are living your dreams and not dreaming about living and in doing so it makes you exceptional - keep it up and live every day experiencing the wonders of the Far East....the people, food, history, beer, sun, beer, beaches, beer etc without the daily grind in slow time and not at a sprint...I so miss the smells and sounds of my time there and I look forward to hearing about your adventures when you eventually get back. Thirdly, make sure you have a few beers or singapore slings in Singapore for me.....as Raffles is still a great place to sit and chew the fat, eat peanuts and get slowly scuppered! Finally, stay safe and be assured that the old fella will be having a few large ones upstairs and remarking what an adventure you are on and will contiune to have as after all this is only the start as you can never really turn back! You both have real commando spirit and I will catch up with you to hear all and sip a few cold ones in August! All the very best Jon, Becs and boys xx

[Jerry Heal]

Awe and Admiration
Dear Steve and Joy, This is the first time that I have opened your blog since Eric Conway pointed me at it and I wanted first to say how sad I was to read of the death of Steve's father - Sarah and I send our deepest condolences and hope that things are returning to a more even keel. Congratulations on your fantastic travel success, and even more so on having the focus and the resolution literally to get back in the saddle and finish the dream. Good luck as you prepare to prepare to depart once more and we shall be following you closely. Best wishes, Jerry and Sarah Heal