Since by last blog: Stage 4 of the Gobi March 2012 complete; and Stage 5 of the Gobi March 2012 complete!  We are now in Kashgary in an amazing campsite surrounded by hills and mountains.  I think one range is the Kunlun mountain range, where China borders India, Pakistan and Kazakhstan (better check that geography on map when I get back!).  Tommorrow is a short day of 16k and then we will be back to civilisation.  So here's a wrap of Stage 4 & 5:

Stage 4 was billed as the most technical stage.  We quickly foundout that technical meant - it will be tough - be very careful with your footing, there are a lot of ups and downs and this will involve all sorts of climbing.... This only became apparent after 7kms up to Heaven's Gate.  We had to go up something like 17 ladders, and through some snow, to get to the top.  The view was amazing.  Pity we didn't have more time appreciate the view!  BTW: we had to carry our packs all the way through Stage 4, with the exception of going up and down Heaven's Gate.  So unfortunately no rest from the weight on our shoulders....

We were then off to Checkpoint 1.  Then the hills started.  We were at over 2,500 and hit 2,700 at some points in the day.  The lower oxygen levels at altitude took its toll, no least as Bukit Themah Hill (highest point you can hike to in Singapore) is about 200m and we virtually live at sea level.  Whilst my legs felt fine, my heart and lungs were struggling...  May also have been a result of not enough cardio training too!  Anyway we plodded on.  And it was tough.  Up and down, up and down.  We were at the back of the field which meant some of the paths were literally washed away.  Thankfully there one of the course markers was around to help.  Finally we found our way into Checkpoint 2.

The theme between Checkpoint 2 and 3 was the same as for Checkpoint 1 to 2: Up and down.  About half way into the section, we found an Australian girl having a panic attack as she had bad vertigo.  Tristan (also from Singapore), Colin, Hayley and I were with her for about an hour bringing her down.  The commaradery of the team was great and we made it down.  Then onto a flatter section, through a river-bed to Checkpoint 3.

After a brief stop and Checkpoint 3 we cracked on.  The first challenge was a number of river crossings.  We took off our shoes and donned the Crocs (yep - one of the most useful pieces of kit that we have!) to wade through the rivers.  There were quite a few of them... Then for the picnic and pedicure on the grass whilst we got our shoes back on.  This probably took a little longer than exepected, although nothing a fast march wouldn't resolve.... and then across the finish line to complete Stage 4.  We had our ticket for the Long March - 76kms - of Stage 5!

We were late into camp, so after a quick stop into the Medical Tent to check some blister repairs, it was to bed for a rest before an early start in the morning for Stage 5...

After a 2hr bus ride to the start line, we were ready for a 10am start... Unfortunately Hayley wasn't feeling 100%, but given her determination, that was soon to go... and we were off.  The first section was flat so we powered on at pace.  Then some more rolling through canyons and river-beds to Checkpoint 2.  This was followed by more of the same for another 10kms up to Checkpoint 3.  We then had a nice turn in the weather and terrain between Checkpoints 3 & 4: clouds came over, the wind picked up (from behind) and we found the fairways of the Gobi desert.  This was a really nice stage (even passing the Bull tied to a bush wasn't too bad).  Then up to Checkpoint 4.  It was then a slog down undulating riverbeds for 4kms, back up 2kms on a road and then down 5kms to Checkpoint 5.  This was the 'overnight' rest point if you needed a rest.  After a little bite to eat, we decidded to push on through. The sun soon set behind the hills and we had to put our lights on for the night.  At one point we turned all the lights off and looked at the stars and scenary.  It was amazing.  We marched on through the darkness, following the green glow-sticks, and up and down to the Checkpoints.  Some points were surreal, not sure why really... But we eventually finished at around 3:30am. 

It feels great to have finished Stage 5.  Hayley says she feels good and 'thank god its over!'  I need to see the doctors to take off the blister tape and reapply where necessary, which I think it will be.  Stage 5 was a tremendous battle: mentally and physcially.  There were numerous ups and downs.  But we made it!

Now time to relax in this beautiful campsite and time to relax ahead of a 'hop-skip-and-a-jump' of Stage 6: The Last Old City which is 16kms tomorrow.  Then into a nice shower and a return to civilisation.

Many thanks to everyone for your messages and blog comments.  It is great reading them all.  Thank you.  Will - I look forward to hearing how you are getting on with the cross-trainer!

All my love, James

Stage 3 of the Gobi March 2012 complete, thankfully!  Hayley and I are both in camp.  It was a tough day - felt like a long uphill slog, through huge rock fields, up and down canyons and generally uphill. 

We started off with a nice walk through a village until we hit the fields and hills.  After Checkpoint 1 we went past some vines... that brought back thoughts of a nice glass of wine, but maybe not at that exact moment, but definately when we finish!  Then we were into a rock field that was hanging on the side of a reasonably steep hill.  By rocks, I probably mean: rocks, boulders, scree and everything you can think of.  Least we say, it was tough on the ankles and knees. Running around Singapore you don't get any of this terrain!  I guess it makes for all being part of the challenge....

After a few ups and downs, through many many canyons, we found Checkpoint 2.  Thankfully Dr. Rob was on had to sort out a blister which had appeared under my right foot.  Nothing some tape didn't fix.  We then had a grueling stage to Checkpoint 3.  We were through numerous canyons, up and down and we were climbing at the same point.  The thinner air at altitude and heat made for tough going.  We plodded on and found our way to Checkpoint 3.  Along the way, the views were amazing.

After Checkpoint 3 it was an arduous 8.3km up hill to the campsite.  We were relieved to get here.  The campsite is at 2,500m so air thin and looking like it will be a cold night under canvas.  Overall today we gained 800m, but that involved going up 1,200m and down 400m.

Legs and shoulders are sore.  Hopefully some stretching and our compression gear should help over night.  Hayley is similar, nothing new from today in terms of aches, pains or blisters, apart from them all getting worse.  Tomorrow is Stage 4.  It is supposed to be 'technically' challenging.  Not sure what that means, but everyone is anticipating another tough day.  Fingers crossed we can dig-deep and march on through.  Then onto Stage 5 which is the BIG day.

Many thanks to everyone for your emails and blogs.  It makes a real difference.

Better sign-off as there are a lot of people waiting in the Cyber Tent.  The donkey (which pulls a camel) which apparently is following us is also making some hilarious noises!

Love to all, James

We're successfully through Stage 2 of the Gobi March 2012!  Today was just over 39kms.  We started from the village we stayed in last night.  Up the road and into the wilderness. Past a few farms, through a few fields and then into checkpoint 1.  We then headed into what is referred to as Mars in the Gobi Desert.  It was rolling.  Lots of ups and downs.  We slowed down as didn't want to get injured.  The ups were tough.  The downs were sometimes tougher.  But we did it and got to Checkpoint 2 in one piece, although we started feeling the pains - Hayley's knee and right leg was causing some pain; I was OK, although those hot spots I mentioned yesterday started to get hotter.

Out from checkpoint 2 we had a nice flat river bed.  Flat being the key, given we had trained in Singapore.  We managed to get a good pace going.  We were doing well.  A little helped by the wind behind.  Out of the river bed and up to checkpoint 3.  Then it was the last section into camp. Not a short section at 11kms and it felt every bit of it.  We were up and then down a tarmac road.  Whilst the surface was nice, the temperature was hotting up.  I think it was 38oC, but that was with some wind.  Some say it was 45oC... So hydration is key.  We learned that too much salt and electrolyte is not good... so moderated it today.

After a crawling trek we found Camp 3 neselled in the wheat and rice fields.  When we came in, it was tough.  We needed our Recoverite drink which has a lot of good technology in it.  I had to go to the Medical Tent to have a couple of blisters attended to.  One on the back of my right foot and one under the ball of my right foot.  Both were burst and taped up.  Fingers crossed they don't get worse tomorrow.  Hayley's right leg is a little swollen behind the knee, as a result of tape on the front of her knee.  Hopefully some anti-inflamatory will help this evening.

So recovery now going well.  Hoping to feel as strong tomorrow as we did today. We then have the really tough Stage 4 to come.

Many thanks to everyone for your messages.  With little contact with the world, it is great to hear from you.

Kirsty: Great news that Sam is up and walking - he is obviously quite advanced!

Barnes: Enjoy a beer or two for us, and remember not to cycle home ;-)

Better sign-off now for a dehydrated boil in the bag dinner...

Lots of love, James

Barnes: A favour - can you send H's Dad an email ([email protected]) to check that the boys are OK as we have had no news (hopefully that is good news).  Thanks boss!

Stage 1 of the Gobi March 2012 complete.  Still a long way to go!  We started this morning at 8am which is the equivalent of about 5am (based on where we are in China's one-time-zone).  It was around 28oC for most of the day, nudging up to around 32oC whilst we were in a canyon.  The course was shortented to 32km as there was a lot of rain which made the first part of the course too wet!

Steady as we go - we got a good pace going for the day - walking with the odd downhill run.  The opening section was through a little village which was great - lots of families, camels, donkeys, goats and more all out to see us - we also came away thinking: a smile can go a long way.  The people were really happy and encouraged us along.  We then had a bit of a climb which was nice as there was a nice breeze forming.  The view also opened up to a stunning resevoir.  Then downhill to check-point 2 and into a river bed (I like the way they never say if it is a wet of dry river bed!)... This one was billed to be wet, with a knee deep river crossing, but we managed to hop skip and jump across a number of small streams.  Then, on we went.  It turned into an expedition across 'the great plains' where the terrain was rocky and gravelly.  We plodded along and finished in good time!

We realised that we need to chat a lot.  Without that, and even with music, the mind wonders into all sorts of places.  Quite strange really, but all part of the challenge!

We are now in camp, or should I say we have taken over a small village.  The bathroom facilities are shared with a cow, in its cow shed, which makes for a unique experience.  We are staying in what could be a hotel/B&B for this region.  Bottom line: we have a hard floor, roof and some carpet on the floor.  So we should get a good rest!

I have a 'hot spot' on the back of my heels which could materialise into something more, so tape will be applied in the morning.  Shoulders also feeling it a bit.  Hopefully they will get better by the morning.  Hayley has a few blisters, which have been attended to at the Medical Tent (doctors were really nice and helpful).  Fingers crossed they are OK for tomorrow.

Tomorrow, the moto again, is going to be: keep up with the group ahead, not just ahead of the group behind (Mum & Dad and fellow golfers, you'll enjoy that one!).  We are into the Mars of the Gobi - a red area of some sorts - tomorrow.  Another update will come tomorrow.

Emails or blogs have not come through as yet, but hopefully will later.  Better sign-off for now as some dehydrated food in a bag awaits!

Love to all, James

Hi Everyone,

We arrived safely in Kashgar yesterday afternoon. After a good rest, we had breakfast and our first briefing. I felt a little nervous as the reaslisation of what is ahead came to life.  We then went through a thorough check-in of all the mandatory kit and a doctor checking the rations for the week.  This all culimaated in a bag weigh-in. I came in with 12kgs. Hayley has 11kgs in her bag.  After a bite if lunch we were on the bus for an incredible journey (the driver did well as the roads were fairly hairy) into the Gobi Desert.  So we are here!

Camp 1 is rocky, but the atmosphere is amazing.  Landscape, scenary and weather is beautiful. Stage 1 due to start at 8am tomorrow morning.  It is 42km and rated moderated/easy/easy.  We will drop into a river bed (no ckue if it is a wet or dry river bed. There is only one way to findout!) Lets see what that means!

Better jump now as there are others in the Cyber Tent wanting to blog.  Will send an update tomorrow.

All the best, James

P.S. Braian Thomas: Many thanks for your very kind email. We appreciated the support!