IJC Snow Rally 2012

Every year brings new challenges, new hopes, new ambitions and with it all...a new awakening.
Since I have joined the Islamabad Jeep Club, I have had the chance to explore many different terrains.
For those of you who have never heard of the IJC (Islamabad Jeep Club/ www.ijc.com.pk); this is a club where like minded
enthusiasts who love the outdoors, our country and 4x4s come together. We promote the notion of being P+ (Pakistan Positive).
This trip to Kalam (Swat) is part of the annual IJC Snow Rally. Our main aim, other than bashing snow, was to let the people of Pakistan know
that despite the battles fought in Swat and the destruction of the floods of 2010, that the people of Swat rely on tourism to support their families.
Swat has finally been made a safe place again and people should go there as it has some of the most beautiful scenery that we have access to here in Pakistan.
The Army has worked hard to restore the roads and keep peace in these areas. The road to recovery is still long for the locals. Signs of the devastation and destruction still remain.
Over 36 major bridges were destroyed owing to the floods and IJC has sponsored and rebuilt one of them purely from our own pockets.
I have attached some photographs of our trip. We left Islamabad on Friday afternoon 3rd Feb and returned last night Sunday 5th Feb. There were 30 of us adventure junkies with 14 jeeps.
As we left Islamabad, there was non stop rain which soon turned into non stop snow. We traveled a total of over 350km (one-way) to Kalam, where the temperature was -14 degrees Celsius!
The Pak Army was of great support to us. We were provided with security for our entourage and the Colonel in charge appreciated our efforts in promoting Swat.
All in all, it was a great trip with great company.
Next stop, Cholistan Desert Rally!