Day 17: the story so far gleaned from snatched conversations. WARNING may not be 100% reliable

Well, no sign of Matt online tonight and so as promised, here is the news.

Anton or Matt? Never in the same room...

Both of our intrepid adventurers were blown away by the welcome they received in Ethiopia and were greeted like celebrities, with women cheering wildly whenever they arrived at a checkpoint. Sadly, it would appear that someone had told them that Anton Du Beke and Owen Turner (the one off Eastenders) were coming and so what the boys thought were cheers were actually cries of disappointment. Fortunately, Matt was able to placate the assembled crowds by sticking his tongue up his nose.

On arrival at the first overnight in Ethiopia they decided a beer was in order - a rather poor decision bearing in mind they were in a devoutly Islamic area. However, a funny little man (no, not Matt) accosted them and said that for a dollar he could find them beer. After handing over some money and following the chap down a very dusty path, they were taken in to the prison recreation room for beers and the Arsenal game!

The following day saw the boys crossing into Kenya and unbeknownst to them, Ben and Mike were trapped over the border following an issue with a stub axle. None of the crews really knew what was happening and so were waiting patiently for news of the Dawsons via Emma via Facebook via wives and girlfriends! But I digress - the crossing from well kept, smooth Ethopian roads was quite a shock as they embarked on the 'Road to Hell'. The accommodation also left something to be desired as they found their rooms in the first hotel already had occupants - with several more pairs of legs than they had! The second overnight was much better - camping under canvas, but the improvised bucket showers probably didn't manage to mask the smell of sweat accumulated during a mid section change of shock absorbers in 42degree heat. It may have been a blessing for Matt that he didn't have to share with Owen!

I know that the Kenyan roads have lost them some time today but they are loving it and now that the 'Road from Hell' is over, they should be back on track. They are currently in Nairobi, staying in what looks to be a VERY plush hotel so I am guessing that rather than using the wifi, they are having a well deserved rest!

They know that everyone here is rooting for them, but don't be surprised if their tracker goes all around Nairobi tomorrow - they'll be gathering spares for the next leg.