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Gobi March Blogs 2007

Rob Roy

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Gobi March (2007) blog posts from Rob Roy

22 June 2007 08:54 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I am now back at the hotel in Kashgar, having just taken my first shower in over a week, and what a week it has been.

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 23 Jun 2007 08:22 pm

Blimey - Jimmy Buffet transports me to paradise when I listen to him, as for you ... you are a complete nutter sir, and I am mightily relieved to know you are still with us. Can't wait to get a full rundown upon your return. Am off to Houstons to sit by the Lake and for a medicinal - will raise my glass to you. If you get a chance to have 10 sticks of lamb kebab with the unleavened bread and spices from the street vendors in Kashgaar, do it - it's the best lamb I've ever tasted. Happy recuperating and safe travels back. Jonathan.

Posted On: 23 Jun 2007 05:11 am

to quote Will Ferrel in Old School, "Good Stuff!" Glad you're both alive. And I heartily agree with your assessment of things. I'll have to throw some more coin on the pile for that story. No go get a Quarter pounder with cheese, large fry, Coke and a massage. While you're still "in the mood" I think you ought to work on a legal document that gives Dawn the right to lock you away during any future marches, should your memory of this one fade. Have a safe trip, uneventful, first class trip home. Doug

15 June 2007 06:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

So we have just checked out of the hotel, and I have made my last phone calls for a while.

Comments: Total (14) comments

Posted On: 21 Jun 2007 12:38 pm

You're the only man I know that could do something like this and you remind all of us what outstanding and determined people can accomplish.

Posted On: 20 Jun 2007 01:56 pm

Awesome. Probably mad. Definitely painful. Keep up the triumph. What an example but - sorry - not precedent. I entirely admire you.

Posted On: 19 Jun 2007 11:58 pm

Nancy and I and everyone else that knows what you are doing think of you often. Our best wishes and prayers are with you every step of the way. Keep it up, we are proud of you. Looking forward to El Nido upon your safe return. The Sedacca's.

Posted On: 19 Jun 2007 05:34 pm

And we are off...literally to the races! By the time you read this you are probably well into your running, and I trust that all is well with both George and you. It truly is an immense effort you have taken on, and one that you can be very proud of. Pushing the mind and body to such limits is truly an exploration of ones self and I am sure will be very rewarding for you and your soul. Good luck and god speed. Hang in there Rob...the end is in sight and you can do it man! Be strong my friend...my thoughts are with you. Big hug

Posted On: 19 Jun 2007 02:08 pm

Admire your courage to challenge your own limit! Hang in there. The Gobi Dessert could be very beautiful at times. I had college classmates who traveled there. Even though they did not do what you are attempting to do (they rode on the camels' back for 7 days), they brought back wonderful pictures with ocean of golden sand. Hope you will have sometime to smell the roses in between your fatigue and hardships:)

Posted On: 19 Jun 2007 01:48 pm

Rob, We are all pulling for you. While your running, can you recalculate, in your head, the risk of that one hedge fund. Just kidding!! Good luck and God Bless!!!

Posted On: 18 Jun 2007 11:26 pm

good luck u will need it

Posted On: 18 Jun 2007 03:17 pm

Hey Rob! You think running in the desert is tough? DUDE!!I just caddied in the sweltering heat of Birmingham, Alabama for 3 days! You asked me to update you on how Michael did-75-71-73 for a solid top 30 finish. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I 'cart caddied'--yeah I rode around in a cart. Do they have golf carts in China? If so, I highly recommend it.....Good luck, my friend...

Posted On: 17 Jun 2007 02:46 pm

Rob, keep pushing on in your race. If anyone can do this adventure it is you. They say the human body is capable of six times more than you are consciously aware of. May God give you that extra awareness.

Posted On: 16 Jun 2007 07:34 pm

I can't believe you're on your way. I kept an eye on my watch as Randy and I were riding the WOT this morning. It was hot. We both decided that we were not allowed to complain abou the Orlando heat until you make it back home. Compared to what you're doing any complaints from us would make us appear wimpier than we are. In his sermon this morning Andy said the Gobi March was named to honor three missionary ladies who spent much of their lives serving the inhabitants in and around the Gobi desert. As if the race wasn't secial enough. BTW - I just got back from Sabbath lunch with some friends. Lots of fresh veggies, a wonderful salad, and strawberries and ice cream for dessert. What will you be re-hydrating today?

Posted On: 16 Jun 2007 05:46 pm

Rob - hope the drive went well - I still have very vivid memories from 22 years ago when I was in Kashgar. Hope the altitude behaves itself. Good luck. Jonathan.

Posted On: 16 Jun 2007 01:56 pm

Rob, Just wanted to wish you blessings along your journey. My husband, Erik Hunt is also doing the Gobi and, if you haven't already, I would love for you to meet him. He's a great guy with a good sense of humor which may be helpful on an adventure such as this! ha Best of luck! Sandy

Posted On: 16 Jun 2007 07:40 am

Rob, Yesterday we finished VBS and I saw Dawn and Alix and they were having a good day. Today I will be having prayer for you at church. I'm proud of your work in preparation and the gumption to go for it with this incredible journey and the race. Know we are with you in spirit. Andy

Posted On: 16 Jun 2007 03:55 am

rob, go for it. It will just be like running to and around that Wakefield lake. I was just kidding about the penny loafers. DON'T WEAR THEM. put on your Converse All Stars. Seriously, don't forget to do the audio recording. You'll be glad you did. Just talk freely into that little recorder. Interview some of the other Gobites.

15 June 2007 01:25 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

It's three hours before race check-in, and the nervous anticipation is building a bit high.

Comments: Total (13) comments

Posted On: 22 Jun 2007 08:51 am

Ow. It hurts to read it let alone do it. Be strong when your body is weak. Believe in the perspective of what you are doing. If you need some capitalism as well as a Mongolian BBQ, Kirstin (lovely wife), Cecilia & Hector (lovely kids) and I (un-lovely husband and father) will triple our initial sponsorship pledge if you finish. Go for it.

Posted On: 21 Jun 2007 07:25 pm

STOP!! your whining! You are a champion! My good brother ,may God bless you with the gift he has given you, endurance,stick a fork in it and finish it!

Posted On: 17 Jun 2007 05:46 am

Good Luck out there and if you run into my friend Dave Thomas out there give him me best and tell him to keep on truckin.

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 07:07 pm

HEY ROB !! Just finally read all the blogs! Amazing and Scary!!! Keep safe and you know you can DO IT...

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 07:01 pm

You can do this. I wish I could . I know it sounds insane but I think this race would be great to do. SUCCESS!

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 05:31 pm

Rob, I hope things are going well for you and George. I wish you two all the good fortune that God can give you as you continue your trek. We are thinking about you. Terry.

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 03:57 pm

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 03:54 pm

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 03:54 pm

YOU ARE THE MAN! I am insanely jealous! (as opposed to you, the merely insane) Your journey is the culmination of a LOT of hard work and sacrifice and I wish I was there to experience it with you. Well, not the whole thing of course. I'm thinking I'd take an ATV from campsite to campsite and hold up a "you survived another day" banner for you each time you dragged your bones into camp. And I'd be holding an SBUX beverage too. In honor of your trip I'm going to the closest mountaineering store and buying a foil packet of freeze dried beef stew. I'm not going to actually eat it, mind you, but just staring at it will remind me that I've got Pop Tarts in the pantry and a toaster on the counter. YUM! Good luck, my friend. I'm going to check this site every day! BTW - When you read the part about the entry fees, did it concern you that emergency medi-vac service was included? Most of my races involve a free t-shirt and a shiny medal. Hmmmm.

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 03:38 pm

No skin eh? I think that the Trading Tribe from Winter Park should pool their resources and airlift a sherpa to carry you. Seriously, all the best and don't think about the Mongolian BBQ.

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 02:42 pm

A little more Kipling, eh? "In the dawns they flamed windy red above stark blue, as Kedarnath and Badjunath--kings of that wilderness--took first sunlight. All day long they lay like molten silver under the sun, and at evening put on jewels again. At first they breathed temperately upon the travellers, winds good to meet when one crawled over some gigantic hogback; but in a few days, at a height of nine or ten thousand feet those breezes bit; and Kim kindly allowed a village of hillmen to acquire merit by giving him a rough blanket coat. The lama was mildly surprised that any one could object to the knife-edged breezes that had cut years off his shoulders. These are the lower hills, chela. There is no cold till we come to the true mountains. Air and water are good, and the people are devout enough, but the food is very bad, Kim growled; and we walk as though were mad--or English. It freezes at night, too. A little, maybe; but only enough to make old bones rejoice in the sun. We must not always delight in the soft beds and the rich food"....Good days are to be multiplied and not so good days are to be forgotten. Go with the conficence of one who has all the support from family and friends. We'll be watchin' and prayin' for your good health and success.

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 01:23 pm

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 01:17 pm

13 June 2007 09:34 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

So after about 21 hours of travel from Hong Kong we have finally arrived in Kashgar, a stop along the old silk route.

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 01:16 pm

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 01:25 am

The Mandrain - take enjoyment where you can find it, as you leave Kashgar you will wonder why you did not spend more nights. Hope you at least did the Star Ferry. Add water to dried snake - great tea! Suggest go short goats heads and long dried snake.

Posted On: 14 Jun 2007 08:56 pm

Farwell, Rob!

Posted On: 14 Jun 2007 08:39 pm

Yeah, what DID you do with the dried snake? I'll have to check my bed the next time you come to visit and make sure you're not using it to get full refunds. You've got great details in your writing, maybe you'll have another career as a travel writer after you get done playing with money. Good thing you went on this race, now Dad has something to do with all his research and wide-ranging knowledge...all is well here, the boys and I are wishing you Godspeed and no goat heads. Love, big sistah and the texan crew

Posted On: 14 Jun 2007 06:02 pm

Glad you got there in one piece. Great notes on your adventure for the rest of us couch potatoes. Is the dried snake the local version of MRE? Have fun. If I were you, I would be more scared of George than the renegades:)

Posted On: 14 Jun 2007 12:23 pm

"But it was on the steep downhill marches, three thousand feet in three hours, the he (the lama) went utterly away from Kim, whose back ached with holding back, and whose big toe nigh cut off by his grass sandal-string. ....Glancing back in the twilight at the huge ridges behind him and the faint, thin line of the road whereby they had come, he would lay out, with a hillman's generous breadth of vision, fresh marches for the morrow; or halting in the neck of some uplfted pass that gave on Spite and Kulu, would stretch out his hands yearningly towards the high snows of the horizon." ---KIM, Rudyard Kipling Just to let you know that you are in the good company of history, as well as, the present. Your experiences in Kashgar are interesting and one-of-a-kind. Thanks for the prompt updates and keep having fun.

Posted On: 14 Jun 2007 04:56 am

So, I am curious, what did you do with the dried snake? Eat it? Thanks for your wonderful descriptions and dialog. WCC

12 June 2007 07:32 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I am just about to settle down in bed for one last night of luxury at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in HK.

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 14 Jun 2007 01:49 am

Still working up to the last minute?! I'm curious to see how George's Mandarin works out for him. I found China the toughest language wise, even in the cities. The character thing, and not much translitteration. I expect it will be tough out there, but fun. Take care, Doug

Posted On: 13 Jun 2007 12:59 pm

Unbelieveable!!! Hang in there!!! "a bad day in the Gobi, beats a good day in the office"

Posted On: 13 Jun 2007 12:00 pm

Have fun; but,, most of all, be safe. We will all be watching your progress (and wishing we had your drive). Charles

Posted On: 13 Jun 2007 01:59 am

What Dad said....:-) xox, L and the boys

Posted On: 13 Jun 2007 01:23 am

We like the beginning of your odessy. Luxury...splendor...great scenery...now for the best part---adventure, the unknown, challenges and accomplishments. It is interesting that the dictionary definition of to conquer goes through 3 definitions before it gets around to saying that it means: to gain a victory over; surmount, master, overcome. We know that you have this vision to conquer this challenge and when faced on a day by day basis should be accomplished as one would face any other challenge. We believe that your decision to do this and face this challenge has been the biggest obstacle to conquer. The rest will be daily attitude and effort. May the wind be at your back and the skies fair for your challenge. Later.

Posted On: 13 Jun 2007 12:10 am

I still think you're crazy for doing this but admire you for sticking with it. God be with you as you take on an adventure or a lifetime. love ya, mom s

Posted On: 12 Jun 2007 06:41 pm

We are watching you with great interest. WWC

11 June 2007 08:48 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I had a wonderful day in Hong Kong, even if I was working!

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 12 Jun 2007 01:31 pm

WE LOVE YOU ROB!

Posted On: 12 Jun 2007 06:19 am

Hi Again, Just catching on to the way this works and how one is suppose to comment on the new blog. Nice you get a couple of days to adjust to the time change before you have to set out. Love, again the WCC.

Posted On: 12 Jun 2007 02:13 am

Nothing like getting the important things out of the way first - like WORK. Now, let the fun begin. According to the "pleasure principle" there is an automatic mental drive or instinct to avoid pain and to obtain pleasure. Are you about to show us that obtaining pleasure can also involve a measure of pain? Hope not. Just go for it and go long on the fun and short the pain. Don't know for sure if that's correct investment strategy. Anyway, we'll be eager for a play by play as you advance to your goal. Have looked at the web link for your trip up HK's peak. Very interesting. Be strong. Our love to you.

10 June 2007 04:55 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I have just arrived in Hong Kong for the first time in my life.

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 17 Jun 2007 12:04 am

Hey Rob- Wishing the best to a son of New England. Sure, why not try the Gobi? You have survived the worst of N.E. weather. It is Sabbath afternoon in Stoneham, in your old house on Albion Ave. My family (including my daughter Jill), have read your trip accounts to date and are excited just from reading. I signed on to Google Earth to see what lies ahead. Can't wait for the tales from the MAN ROB on the ground. Among the shadows, watch out for that Liger of the mind, that follows low O2 and H2O combined with lactic acid build up. Just waited to let you know you are being cheered on. bc

Posted On: 11 Jun 2007 06:01 am

My best wishes to Rob ... we just had a meeting this morning and I have great confidence in him already. He is a hero for attempting the impossible and our best wishes are with him!!

Posted On: 11 Jun 2007 02:50 am

Try not to eat too many rich meat dinners there in Hong Kong, it might weigh you down...then your superhero powers might be diminished, however slightly. Never been to HK, but wanna go someday. Austin sez he likes the cartoon Hong Kong Phooey on Boomerang, do they have that over there?

Posted On: 11 Jun 2007 12:18 am

Rob, You are a super hero. Just remember that. Remember how you used to tie a towel around your neck and run around the house?Too bad Chris won't be there to make you laugh.

Posted On: 10 Jun 2007 05:17 pm

Rob, welcome to Hong Kong. A must for you to do is eat lunch at a dumpling house. Ask the Hotel where a good one is---quite the experience. You will also have plenty of time to catch the ferry over to kow loon (good for shopping) on the main island it is very safe to walk around at night. cheers tom

Posted On: 10 Jun 2007 12:18 pm

Thanks for the post re: your arrival. That puts our mind at ease up to this point! Am reading your blog at 8AM Sunday. Hope you have a powerful "day" resting and getting acclimated to your new surroundings. Have been reading a lot of pages on the 4deserts website and have signed up for the breaking news briefs on the gobimarch. Later. Dad and Mom

08 June 2007 07:02 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Sitting in my office for the last time in a while... tomorrow morning at 8.26am I start my journey westward.

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 12 Jun 2007 06:12 am

We wish you God speed and lots of water, and can't imagine going through all those places we've just read about in books. Will be looking with interest at your progress and comments. Love, the West Coast Cousins

Posted On: 11 Jun 2007 02:46 am

Hey little bro--go go go. When you get weary, think of kuzamahgunki loaf, pretend it's chasing you and then you will fly like the wind... Seriously, though. All of us Texans are mighty proud of your accomplishments and your drive to do this amazing thing. We also think you might be a bit touched, but in a good way. We'll keep our cowboy hats tilted, ears exposed, listenin' for the latest. Love from the whole fam damily, L, R, A & T.

Posted On: 09 Jun 2007 11:53 pm

The word destiny comes to mind. It is defined as "the predetermined, usually inevitable or IRRESISTABLE, course of events". There is a great measure of irresistable in what you have set out to accomplish. We choose our own destiny (in the form of this race), but the inevitable is what spurs us on. The inevitable is accomplishment and satisfaction in having control of our destiny. This will be a thrilling adventure and we wait for each bit of news. Keep mindful of your passion for life and the excitement around every bend. We love you and pray for your good health and happiness along with that of your family. Dad and Mom

Posted On: 09 Jun 2007 06:31 am

Good Luck! You can do it! We all have faith in you.

Posted On: 08 Jun 2007 04:51 pm

A brave and commendable undertaking. Happy trails - we are rooting for you.