Road Recce 2

This day was reserved for traditional, old school road recce. The MOT's were going to stay at the safe house all day, so the PO took the opportunity to go out to have a look-see. I told the MOT D commander H to handle all surprise vistors while I was away (and, in fact there were a few!) We tried to find roads in the vicinity of Aybak that we hadn't driven before, and on those that we had driven, to verify what condition the road actually was in, after the winter's snows and the spring rains. The purpose is to compare our maps to the reality and to determine the accessibility of different areas for 4WD armoured vehicles. This job often includes driving where there actually is no road at all, or off-road, as they call it. It also frequently includes getting out of the vehicle to scout the road ahead to see if it really is driveable or not. So, as a consequence, I have today climbed a number of smaller hills in more than mild temperatures, whilst carrying approximately 30+ kilograms of various military equipment. Fortunately we had packed a lunch that was rich in energy, and plenty of bottled water. No gym for me today, then.


My facial expression is for no particular reason in sharp contrast to the magnificient views in the background.