Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Spring 2015 | Page 19

Barnaul Ulaanbaatar Astana Offtrax was the only one out of 235 rally teams to drive back out of Mongolia —and for good reason. “When you finally cross Mongolia, [you realize] it hasn’t been easy,” Corinne notes. “When it’s done, the last thing you want to do is drive. Again. Anywhere!” Nevertheless, with the Mongolia Charity Rally officially completed, the women piloted the Subaru XV all the Osh way back to Belgium, where they returned the car they had borrowed. With the benefit of a few months to recover and reminisce, Corinne and Jess have already started discussing their next adventure with Subaru Canada this summer — a coast-to-coast-to-coast Dushanbe “Best of Canada” expedition. Top: Enjoying the architecture in the seaside city of Batumi, Georgia Right: Crossing the finish line in rural Mongolia Despite the darkness, they were determined to power through. In the near distance, the team suddenly saw flashing lights coming from around 50 cars parked on either side of the road. Not knowing exactly what was happening, they slowly realized that all the excitement — the lights, the loud cheering, the blasting of car horns — was for them! The riotous welcome had been organized by the Subaru Fan Club of Mongolia — over 50 Subaru owners, with their entire families in tow, had come to the doors of the city to escort the Canadian Subaru Subaru Fan Club escorted Corinne and Jess team to the finish line! There were hugs, along the last leg of their epic journey. Go Although they can’t reveal too much tears and piles of photos, all of the owners Help was also there to meet and present about this homegrown excursion just yet, very anxious to see the car and welcome their trophy and the emotions took over. the project will be in support of Ronald the two women home. “When we finally saw the finish line,” Jess McDonald House Charities. Clearly, then, reflects, “the tears just started to pour.” this is not the last we’ll hear from this Arriving in Ulaanbaatar was like a dream and, in glorious convoy style, the This is a good time to add that Team dynamic duo. six star magazine 17