We have survived the nutty Gobi! After about 10 hours of transit on mostly dirt roads, we have returned to Ulaan Baataar and gorged on a Burger King dinner. For Willow, it is her first full meal in over 10 days. We sheared off a bolt in the steering linkage and our amazing driver/ jack of all trades, Unuruu jury rigged it with chain and other assorted sundries until we got to a small desert town and he welded it for the last push back to the capital. Connection here is difficult to say the least so more to follow in a few days once we reach Beijing.
The Gobi was intense. Perhaps we bit off too much as emotions over ran for almost all of us. Extreme heat, very different food, long drop bug filled holes for toilets, sand storms, rain storms, thunder and lightning were among the things that challenged us all. Horse and camel riding, massive dune climbs, late night hedgehog visits, AMAZING skies both day and night and new friends from all over helped ease the pain.
The best things however were the Mongolians themselves – kind, helpful, resourceful and wonderful hosts. Our host family in the Orkhon valley, and our host family by the dunes really stood out. More to come if we get a better connection…..
Sounds like an experience never to be forgotten – in every way! Onwards and upwards!
It’s been crazy, fun, frustrating and awesome… think it’s a good way to sum it up
Hey all, lots of fun following the adventures. Doug / MC, as you are in Beijing I assume you can’t see Facebook…and I need to get some info to you regarding the pick up in Nepal and the apartment. Drop me an email so I have an up to date one for you…and I’ll send it to you.
Have fun all!
What was it that you were eating?
We ate a lot of mutton. Mmmmm mutton! One night a chap we met ate a sheeps head, eyes, brains and all. M.C., Kaia and Skye joined in on the tongue. We saw few veggies and mostly warm water to drink. One day our guide Pujee made her own version of pizza while we parked in a canyon. It was delish.
It will be a while before I eat mutton again in that quantity.