Thanks for the replies!

Bushman - was Bob Erion based in the US or in Vlad?

Tony P - We are certainly trying avoid another Carnet (in hindsight we could have avoided it all together now). I believe there's no requirement for South America.

The air to S. Korea and then ferry to Vlad/surrounds sounds good. When we start sending emails off to some shipping companies we will mention this.

Lots of research going into our Russian visa etc recently and we believe we capable of getting a 3 month double entry business (as we've never had a visa before we not entitled to a multi entry). We have to send our passports back to Australia - impossible to get outside of our country. So this would mean only a visit to Mongolia if I'm correct. As into Vlad would be 1st entry then returning back from Mongolia would be the 2nd?

Would we be unable to enter the EU eventually via Belarus/Ukraine from Russia? As we wouldn't be willing to get the carnet again for a single country (Iran).

Our arrival in Russia would be around late April. This is not the greatest time for sure but unfortunately to have gorgeous weather all our trip is just impossible with our timing. Cold is on the cards but we're keeping heated gloved fingers crossed that the roads will still be ok to cross the country. So far this seems to be doable people say - but just bloody cold. If this is suicide certainly let us know as currently we're looking forward to the challenge! Alas if its madness with a double entry 3 month Visa this would have to be looked at again.

Cheers!