Gobi March Blogs 2019

Simon Melanson
Camp 7 - My girls join the circus

03 August 2019 07:00 pm (GMT+08:00) Irkutsk, Ulaan Bataar

Camp 7 was set on an island in the middle of a fast moving river at the base of steep dusty mountain.  Competitors trickled across the finish line throughout the afternoon and into the evening, each according to their abilities (and injuries). The mood was generally positive.  We were nearly done; just 10 Kms remaining to the finish line in the ancient ruins of Kharkhorin.

My mind was turning from the days’s aches and pains to Dawn, Olivia, and Grace (aka “my girls”).  They have been at the finish line of every race in this series : Sahara, Atacama, and Antarctica.  Racing the Planet had graciously made arrangements for my girls to join me at Camp 7 (a first for a competitor).  My girls were long overdue.  As the sun got low, I suddenly heard “Dadda!” over my shoulder.  Olivia and Grace sprinted toward me through the centre of camp and jumped into my arms. Most of my fellow competitors wore a stunned look on their faces as they attempted to process ‘why’ and ‘how’ there were two children in this remote camp.  When I asked where Dawn was, Olivia and Grace explained that their mini bus from UB had got lost and stuck in the river crossing about a mile away. Selfishly, I thought “Ahh crap, I am going to be hearing about this for a while.”  In the distance I could see Dawn, coming across the steppe in her neon Hokas. She was surprisingly good about her 8.5 hour drive on difficult roads and mile long walk in the mud.  She just gave me a knowing look and a raised eyebrow.  No words. (I felt like I got off pretty easy!)

I introduced my girls to my tent mates and helped them get settled into a special tent for them. For the rest of the evening, Olivia and Grace immersed themselves in their surroundings with no thought of Dawn or I. They cheered in the remaining competitors (many of whom were enduring significant discomfort). They made the rounds to all the tents/ competitors in camp.  “Hi! We are Olivia and Grace!  You are doing so great!  Can we help you with your stuff?”  I caught up with them shortly before sundown, lounging on the ground with an Italian competitor. He had carried candied nuts 240 km across the Gobi Desert in his backpack, only to feed them to my daughters on finish eve!  Another, French competitor was offering up his last meal of dehydrated homemade tomato soup to ensure they had enough to eat.

A few things struck me in this moment.  First, great people are the cornerstone of success, happiness, and a life well-lived.  And yet, so many of us make in-life settlements about the company we keep. (Never settle). Second, I was reminded of a compliment given to Dawn and I by a friend, (Lord) Leon Clarence, when we ran across Antarctica together. He said “Your daughters are truly a testament to your characters and how you live your lives.”  I did not fully appreciate these words until observing  Olivia and Grace, just 7 and 10, laughing and joking with their new European friends like they had known one another for a lifetime.


Third, girls, stop eating the last rations of these hungry, tired people!! You have your own food!

Simon

Comments: Total (1) comments

Hannah Melanson

Posted On: 04 Aug 2019 09:59 pm

I'm not crying, you're crying!!! The opportunities you have afforded Olivia and Grace are truly next to none and will follow them for a lifetime. You're a beautiful family - now go finish this thing together! xx