Day 143: Yevlax to Sheki

 “Pinch, punch” infractions to be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport

In a series of rule violations not seen since cricket matches decided to fix the result and go down the pub because the games were so dull, The Pinch, Punch, First of the Month community was thrown into turmoil today. 

Names are still being withheld at this time, but a middle-aged woman of no fixed abode has been charged with jumping the gun and both pinching and punching a day early. The offence occurred in a remote town in Azerbaijan yesterday, which officials have confirmed was indisputably the 30th April, and therefore not the first of the month. 

Then, in what is rumoured to be an offence committed by the same woman, the same victim was sucker pinched and punched the next day - which, whilst technically within the rules, breaks many ethical guidelines and was condemned by both the Pope and a bloke who looks a bit like the Dalai Lama. 

The victim was named as David McNamara, also of no fixed address. His lawyers released the following statement:

”I’m deeply shocked and trying to come to terms with these events. The bruising will fade but my faith in the good nature of the world around me may have been irrevocably damaged.”

We went for a nice cycle ride too, climbing up the ridge on the northern side of the valley in the foothills of the Caucusus Mountains. It was only around 1,000m of climbing but it felt hard.  

Morning tea was at the top of an early climb

The toilet facilities were basic...

 ...but the view was great 

We’re now staying in a ​300 year old Karavansaray - a traditional resting place for travellers which has been restored to cater for modern Silk Road followers. We’ll be spending our rest day here, so more tomorrow.