Gobi Desert: Pastoral Valleys

Today we took a 35k trot through multiple pastoral valleys here in the Gobi. Long flat stretches of scrub, rocks, dirt, small craggy peaks and knolls were surrounded by a double layer of mountains, the ones in the distance being the snowcapped Tian Shan mountain range. The valleys peppered by shepherd communities. Compared to yesterday's posthole/slog/crawl through the clay, mud, and cow dung cesspool of the salt flats, this was a breath of fresh air.


Trekking up the mountain...
Photo Courtesy of Racing the Planet


The pace on the front end was a bit quick for me so I stayed within my own game plan, even so was a bit tired at day's end. The pack feels a bit heavy today - going to see if I can lighten the load a bit. All in all its been a diverse adventure. Given my fitness coming into this race and the altitude I'm holding strong. Keep your fingers crossed - a lot of very hard racing ahead.


Stunning rock formations...
Photo Courtesy of Racing the Planet


Our camps are picturesque and windswept. Nights and mornings are cool and days get into the 80's - nothing exceptional - quite pleasant. Exceptionality comes in the scenery and people that do these races - I am continually inspired and amused by all that I meet. Very good life stuff.

We're heading into the mountains tomorrow. Back at you after another challenging day.

Terri