Forgot to mention that whilst servicing the bike in Nowshahr I managed to have a wee accident when I put the bike on the stand it landed on my big toe and with 200kg of bike on it I was not happy. Anyway got to use the first aid kit for the first time.
Leaving Nowshahr I headed all the way around the Caspien Sea coast. What a waste of a good coast line the towns which line it were tatty and unappealing which surprised me because Iranian flock here for holidays. So with no nice place to stay I carried on to Rasht where I stayed for one night.
I have to say though that while the towns weren't great the scenery was! After crossing the mountains to Nowshahr and since the scenery has totally changed from the Deserts (well it would wouldn't it) It was so nice to see the sea again after so long and also the greenery, not seen since the Punjab in Pakistan weeks ago. This area in fact is like the Punjab as it is the food basket of Iran, rice paddy fields and grain crops abound.
The weather here is cooler if you can call the mid 30'sC cooler. In fact just before getting to Tabriz it looked like it was going to rain and when I got a few spots on my visor I stopped to put my jacket on but it proved to be a passing shower, My first shower in 6 weeks or so. I am in Tabriz at the moment ready to break to the border with Turkey.
I know I have mentioned it before but the driving here is madness. I've seen numerous accidents and on my ride to Tabriz I was going through a small town when this car going in the opposite direction suddenly mounted the small lane divider toppled a couple of small tress and skidded to a halt in front of me. I was more shocked than anything else. I mean this is just crazy. I still can't understand how this happened. traffic was light and ok there was a slight curve in the road but you couldn't call it a corner. But you see this type of thing a lot, people run off the road for no reason it seems.
Anyway as I said, I think tomorrow will be another long day behind the bars as I make for Turkey I just hope the border isn't busy as I have to make for a town on the other side.
See you there!