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Gobi March Blogs 2013

Megan Stewart

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Gobi March (2013) blog posts from Megan Stewart

07 June 2013 07:53 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Hi all, well it was a long day yesterday, and not what i had expected. The day started well, and off up into the hills we went, most of the first 3 stages were up hill, andheading into stage 4 was one bigggggg one. It was an awesome day, heading into the mountains was wicked, the locals were tending to their flocks and stock, the kids came out and one even showed me his two kittens. He was so cute, and has so little, this really reminds me ofthe important things in life, simple things that mean alot.as you are all prpbably aware the weather gods were not on our side andfog, hail, horizontal rain, wind and snow culminated in a dufferent race.i felt really good and was ready for the final 20km or so and the race was called off. Full credit tothe RTP team, they did an awesome job in making the best of a bad situation, we were bused to a fantastic place beside the lake, and i had my first nite in a yurt, how cool. But we did all freeze before that, but we are all ok.it was hard to believe the elevation gain was higher than mt egmont.

I did not reach a low point like i had expected and was ready to finish the beast, and so tomorrow is the final leg. It is still really cold here with the snow on the hills around us, i have my jacket andmost layers on and it is themiddle of theday.

Everytimei come to blog i my mind goes blank ha ha, this i believe is a commontrait as others are suffering the same. As the cyber tent is in a yurt today it is called the cyberyurt, you gotta love the senses of humour around here.
I am sad that the race is nearly over, but my job is not yet done, i am looking forward to heading home, 
Probably my final blog, andi look forward to reading all ofthecomments in full when i get home,a huge thank you for all of yourthoughs and encouragement, cheers lucy for yourmail, i was thinking of the sahara yesterday, and you
Big hugs m

Comments: Total (3) comments

nicole collingwood

Posted On: 09 Jun 2013 11:12 pm

Great stuff Megan you are an absolute machine!! Safe travels home

Owen Davies

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 07:44 pm

Congratulations - you did it! Will be good to see you on Tuesday. xxxx

Holotau Family

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 09:43 am

Congratulations and well done you crazy lady - so proud of you

05 June 2013 01:37 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Hey there you lot in the real world!!!!!
I hope you got my blog from last nite as i forgot to title it with my name and bib number....oops

Well today was ok, long slow uphill for most of the day and then a long slow down to camp. We went through a town, it was cool as the locals came out onto the street to cheer us on, i hugged a baby who wanted to ut its fingrs in my mouth and up my nose!!!!, and then some kids wanted me to draw on their arms, someone got a poto,, it was awesome, we are sooo lucky to e here, they think we are crazy, just like many of you.

Well tomorrow is the big one, i have saved some treats such as my beef jerky, i am ooking forward to mashed spud for tea. I hear the course is mainly uphill and then the later part down to camp on the edge of a lake. My body is tired and i have sore knees, and hot spots on my feet, but i am better off than many. I will jus get out therer and slog all day and nite. Today i only stoped at the checkpoints for water so that was good

Really thinking of home, it seems crazy that I will be home in a week, cant wait to see my family

Mum you would not like the thunder anbd lightening ere, ut i do, and i havent been chased by any yet.

 I am thinking alot about everyone, work, family, gym staff, my supporters, and everyone that has shown an interest in this race, i am hopeful that we are making lots of money for the liam foundation

 Also i hope thast people are having fun with their challenges, Liam would like to laugh.Connor and Keegan ow are you two dudes, I ran the downhill for you guys today and LOL aloot!!!

Cam and john cant wait to see you again, missing ys heaps. Well who knows when i will blog tomorrow, but until then.......take care, luv to ya all xxxxxxxx


Comments: Total (18) comments

Elizabeth Davies

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 02:35 am

It will be good not to have to run to the computor all the time to see if there is any news of you!! By the time you read this it will be all over (till the next one??) Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday. xxxxxxx

Kieran Gibbons

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 11:50 am

Good on yah megs hopefully the hard part is over now. Just chillin with a few of liams mates talking about how crazy you are for doing this and I'm sure Liam would be thinking that too. Keep going strong we're all proud of you! Kieran. Hamish. Mason. Adam

Roger B

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 10:39 am

Thinking of you.. Brown starts tomorrow and Martin has finished on shift. Go hard and see you in a week

Little Sister

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 09:15 am

I am not enjoying that your 'breaking news' is 'broke' - looking forward to hearing more of your adventures ....

Frances Holotau

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 09:08 am

hey aunty megs hope your still walking strong. whenever mum comes to comment on this she spends ages thinking of good jokes and asks us if they're funny trying to impress you. hope your having a good time and looking forward to seeing you when you get home. I climed Mt Ngaurahoe last month for school and thought about you on the way up; grabbed a rock from the summit as souvenir and mum said it reminded her of you because you pinch rocks from tracks too. love you xx

Denise Lahood

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 08:04 am

Reading your blog is truly inspiring Megan - you are frickin' amazing. As for Tim and Lhani - I already knew how amazing they were! Why am I not surprised that its taking you guys, for someone to finally be making the difference.

Lhani Davies

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 04:17 am

Your brother is in the garage loading his motor bike for a much needed boys week-end away. Meat, beers, crap food and panadol are packed. You would think after all these years he would remember to close the garage door so the house doesnt full with exhaust smells. Connor finished exams today and kegs finished yesterday. They are both of to a party tonight and I am going to hang out on Lucy and Kevs couch until pick up time of mid-night. What happened to 9pm finishes. Well we love you lots and are so proud of you. Balls of steel have come in handy Megs. xxxxooo

Cara Burke

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 03:47 am

Well done Megan, you are doing an amazing job!!! You inspired a gang of heavy drinking smokers to get up at 5am last Sunday ( the time we would normally wind things up at!) to do a fun run for LIAM. Hope your knees start to feel better soon. Cara and Mark, friends of Lhani and Tim, based in Darwin.

Kelsey Redfern

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 02:24 am

Megs you are such an inspiration with every step you take on this journey. I am thinking of you every step of the way! Lots of love, Kelsey xxx <3

lucy celani

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 02:20 am

hey megs hope all is well, just figured out how to work this baby. I see tim has kept u up to date with everything that is happening. i will be dining with lhani tonight, the boys are at a party and kev is working until late so its just us girls which will be great. Keep up the good work, lots of love from all of us. xxx

Trudi Hayes

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 01:59 am

Awesomeness obviously runs in your family....go Megan!!!! Cheers to you from Trudi and family from Perth (friends of big brother and family!!)

Ros Boyer

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 01:54 am

You are a truly selfless and inspirational person. We are with you every step with positive thoughts coming your way. Much love and look forward to you completing your wonderful journey. Xx

Penny Holotau

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 07:33 pm

Spent the night thinking of you walking through the dark and logged on this morning to see you probably weren\'t! Aaarrgghhh! Hope you are warm, rested and happy and getting the opportunity to finish. Love ya xx

Helen Hoskin

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 10:04 am

Go Megan! Your determination is amazing, and your commitment will have you flying through the Gobi Desert Run. Hope the blisters are kept to a minimum. All the best & love from Hoskin Family.

Little Sister

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 09:29 am

Little Brother has been quiet for a day or two - coulda been spending lots of time thinking of that clever come back line! Or maybe he also has been busy fighting the mighty fight. I soooo proud of my siblings xxxxxxxxxx :)

Pete Murray

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 09:22 am

Find your mirror go and look inside, And see the talent you always hide, Don't go kidd yourself well not today, Satisfaction's not to far away.

Elizabeth Davies

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 07:16 am

I know there is money in the NZ account for the LIAM foundation so keep up the great challenge you have given yourself - not long to go now. By the time you read this the big day will be over and youre on the downhill slope.Looking forward to seeing you again. xxxxxxx

Little Brother

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 06:33 am

Hey Megs, wow you are doing great, we are thinking of you every day and the effort you are going to in support of the LIAM Charity. We have been very busy with the Indo Cops arriving here on Monday, have been on TV 3 times in the last 24hrs and completed a number of phone interviews for paper and radio. Indo cops held a press conference in Jakarta yesterday and stated that they had 2 suspects, that they were also investigating the bar owner and reviewing the bar licence. If found guilty they could face 15-20 years in jail. That should send a pretty strong message back up to Indonesia. So far we have held a support walk here in Perth and in Darwin, have raised over $3000 dollars which is fanatastic. Woodside have also come onboard and are either going to make a one off donation or do a $ for $ match employee donation thing, orsum. We are so proud of you, go for it tomorrow, stay strong, Liam will be there with you......although I don't think he would be walking, more likely leaning out the window of the support van with a Corona giving you stick, hehe. Of course if little sister were there she would be getting her knickers in a twist and complaining about all the sand and dirt, she was always a bit soft when it came to hard work. Hoo roo, xxxx

04 June 2013 01:37 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Well 3 days done!!!!!!, today was awesome, a hard course with a bloody mountain in the middle, all 2,000 odd meters of it, but alot of it was absolutely beautiful, including seeing a lamb newly born, the sheep are funny colours here, and the cuckoo continues to talk in the mountains, the fields are green and  the plants still smell nice, except for the stinging netle. The potos from today should be wicked.

On the trail todasy i though about ther people that have helped me, mum and dad, john for accepting what i must do, cam for trying to understand, jaron from little rocket for the fliers, mitchells cycles for my electrolytes, health funder for getting on board, and those that comment on my bogs and make me cry in the ctber tent!!!!, cheers for that Tim. Great work on the run , I was thinking of you guys many thanx for the great effort, I hope there are many other activities out there generating the same interest.

This is a totally bizzare place, we ae so priviledged to be in a spot where no westerners have been. The army and police are constantly in our presence, watching our every move. We are so close to the kazachstsn border which is one of te reasons.

Hope I am not keeping you up all nite following my progress( penny and granny)
Well i best let others have their turn, love to you all and i will be back tomorrow
PS Cam thanx for my sounds, and pete murray you featured again in my ead, thanx for opportunity...............

Xxxxxx Ms

Comments: Total (4) comments

janis mckibbin

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 01:01 am

Well Done Megan! Very proud of you :0)

Cath Carroll

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 09:44 am

Hello doll, wow sounds like you are having a blast! I'm sooo jealous, I would love to run all day and all night but alas, I'm not sure my bub or hub would let me! You're missing some lovely wintery weather here but I'm not complaining, it's great seeing the mountain all dressed up. I was in at work today, we are looking after John, he and cam are having a good lads time! We are all so proud of you doll, such a fantastic challenge. You're a legend, no doubt! See you when you're back honey, lots of love, the Carrolls xxx

Elizabeth Davies

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 05:15 am

We are so proud of you -even if we think you are crazy!Yes, I turn on the computer about 6am and I go back to it all day. Great to hear from you. Very cold and bleak here today. Love you so much, Be strong. xxxx

Penny Holotau

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 04:50 am

I woke up at 4.30 this morning and so got up to see if there was anything new on here - and then it wasn't really worth going back to sleep! Will sleep well tonight. So proud of you and what you are doing and think of you constantly. xoxox

03 June 2013 10:04 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Hi there again, well today went quite well, took it easy for the first 3 stages then trotted most of the final one. Today was very green, this place is covered in lavender plants, makes for very pleasant smells on the course, i only rolled in it once, thought it might help me smell nicer, ha ha

I am feeling good, my pretaping of my feet is working and i have no blisters, yet, they will come i am sure

The camp tonight is in an awesome spot by a very cold river whic was great on my feet
Thought alort again on the course, John how is the shed and the boat building, hope work is sorting itself out, Cam hope you are helping dad, tony i hope you ar helping them both.
Thought also of mum and dad, and verve and graham and their extended family. Hope my blister and brother are behavibng.

I have been overwhelmed by the support of the RTP staff regarding Liam, in particula Mary, the racefounder who interviewed me today, they are generally interested and i appreciate it.
Well tomorrow is going to be a tough day so best get some dinner and rest, luv to you all

Comments: Total (4) comments

Sandy Suckling

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 12:36 am

Hey Megan,we did Sahara and Atacama together and great to see you out there again on another journey in the desert.... and Liam would be so proud of all you are doing ...go girl I am cheering you on from Ozz... all the best Sandy Suckling

John Stewart

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 10:53 pm

Hello from Cam and your actual husband. Hope everything is going okay.Boats are going rather slow at moment. Cams all good. Luv Cam- John

Tony Stewart

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 06:00 pm

Go hard Megan! Looks like your going good. Things back home are good. Cam got a good pig on Saturday he even beat us to it, stuck it and carried it back to the truck! Future pack horse in the making. Good luck for the rest of the race

Steven Stewart

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 05:30 pm

Hey Megan. It's your tent husband from Atacama 2012! Sounds like you are doing great. Hope the feet stay good. I was looking at the pictures from stage 1 and saw a nice one of you. Didn't know you were in the event. I see a few other familiar faces too. Cheers from Canada. -Steve

02 June 2013 01:58 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Hi there to you all out in the real world!!! I have been thinking of many of you today out n the course, but first I shall fil in the events of yesterday.

Usual routine of pre checks, my pack went 10.4 kg so with 1.5 L of h2o it all adds up!!
We were treated to a big send of by the local people, it was a colourful event I was priviledged to see, and they even got me up to dance in front of tooo many cameras, including TV ones, and of course the locals...it all finished with them presenting us with a scarf for protection, I was humbled...

after packing everything up we were off on the bus, only one hour to camp one. I am in tent & and all is good.
Today was a mixture of treats, some long and boring, some technical stuff at the end, I did make a  dick of myself by singing outloud  with the ipod , oh well, i didnt scare any locals, or the sheep, or the goats, or the horses, or the camels , maybe the snake though!!!. Thought of you heps Cam when I was singing ha ha, miss ya mate.9 hours today, tomorrow is supposed to be easier.  Got hot in the am, but noon was ok. went to an awesome spiritual place on a big hill, thought of you Davies whanau......as I do most of you out there, I hope that the fundraisinf is going well cos i cant help here, well best go and let others use this service,huge hugs to you all and I will try again tomorrow xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxps how is it going knickers

Comments: Total (7) comments

kathie and Graham third

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 09:30 am

Hey Megs we are watching your progress.. what an experience. Keep up the good fight for Liam lol

Jemma Holotau

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 08:42 am

Mum is struggling with the slow updates from the Gobi but we have just seen you have upped your placing at the end of stage 2 by heaps - you must be having fun.

Elizabeth Davies

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 03:44 am

Hope you are going well. Wet here AGAIN. Keep up the good work. xxxxxxxxx

Jayden Strickland

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 07:50 am

Hi Megs, sending you love from the Naki! I hope the snakes have recovered from your glorious tones ;-) Run Amuck was awesome, thou not the same as last year, no mud angels or R18 gestures! Go hard! J & B XXX

Knick ers

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 03:06 am

I did consider telling the world where little brother was while face-booking but your eldest niece didn't think he'd appreciate it - how wrong she was!!

Little Brother

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 02:47 am

Hey big blister, fantastic effort with stage 1. We had our walk yesterday, nearly 200 people, was really good. Knickers has finally stepped out the dark ages and got on facebook, she's like a kid with a new toy hehe, we had a fb chat while I was on the loo.....totally orsum eh. Love ya heaps

Knick ers

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 02:36 am

knickers has discovered facebook and just had conversation with little brother. we was talkin bout ya and saying how clever you are :)

31 May 2013 04:32 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Gidday to all ov you out there!!!!!! Here I am in China, I survived Nepal and Kathmandu just, what an amazing place. My trip up the mt to Namche was awesum, I learnt heaps about the culture, and enjoyed the peace of the mountains. I am thinking of home a lot, I miss my family heaps, but it was great to talk to Cam and John today. communication is a bit of a mission and I had none in Nepal. Today is a special day, it would have been Liam's 20th birthday. I can remember everything I did that day, being present for his birth was a privilege I will never forget. The first child to Tim and Lhani, the first grandchild to mum and dad and my first nephew................it really sucks that he is not here now, and I think often of the time beside him whilst he was in ICU in Perth. It was an honour to be there, and with Tim,Lhani and the boys when the ventilator was turned off......................,but oh so wrong..... However this just reminds me of why I am on this mission, he is with me all the way and I feel stronger knowing that what we are doing is going to save lives, assist in education and provide the necessary medical equipment to dialyse patients effected by methanol poisoning. We cannot do this on our own and I am hopeful that through this race we will achieve a goal, the money required to effect this change,.you too can be a part of this. It is great to meet up with the RTP team again, they are awesum , and without them we do not reach our goals . The other competitors are all arriving and it is great to see some mates from previous races. This is one amazing family!!!!!! It was great to read the comments from home, cheers to ma and pa , penny, Tim, Lhani and whanau, and Janis They may make me cry but that is just one part of this amazing journey. My mind is ready, the body may not be...... Xxxx

Comments: Total (8) comments

Leonie Wallace

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 06:15 am

Hi Megan, just thought I'd let u know that I'm following yr amazing race .. And you are much talked about here amongst all of us!! U go girl .. Much love xxxx

Kerry Bestry

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 03:07 am

Stay strong amazing lady!! I'm sure Liam will be giving big high fives and thumbs up!! Lots of love and in our thoughts, Kerry and Peter Bestry (big ute Pete;))xxoo

John Stewart

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 09:16 pm

Hello from the stewart lot. Hope all is going okay with the race. Boats are going a bit slow.Thinking of you and look forward to your return. Cams doing okay. Luv from us all.

Elizabeth Davies

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 08:39 pm

Day 1 achieved, Hurrah!Great photos from starting venue. God bless and keep it up

Malcolm Brown

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 06:44 pm

Hi Megan. Good luck for your journey. Our family will be following you on line. You are such an inspiration. Best wishes and keep putting one foot in front of other. Cheers Brownie

Tim & Lhani Davies

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 08:16 am

Hey Megan, Yes the 30th of May was, is, a very important day. We celebrated Liam's birthday with his friends and remember all the good times and moments that Liam made so special. You were there in the beginning, through his life and at the end, it really sucls but its incredible special, thanks you. 2nd June, today we held the "March for Liam" event. We had approx 200 people turn up and raised over $2500 for the charity. This day was in support of your mission, your march across the Gobi desert, what an undertaking, we are so proud of you. Love Tim Lhani and the boys, will post again tomorrow..............stay strong sister.

Holotau Family

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 06:25 am

By the time you read this you will be one day down - nearly done! We are enjoying your pink top and that you are so visible. Love you lots xx

Elizabeth Davies

Posted On: 31 May 2013 08:52 pm

Thinking of you as you set off. We will be following your blog and the comments from your sister and brother!Good luck and lots of love xxxxx

23 March 2013 07:58 am (GMT+12:00) Auckland, Wellington

Marching for Liam............
Well, here I go again!, my friends all say it only takes 2 signatures to get you committed! ( they mean for a psych assessment ha ha), but I am more committed than ever for the Gobi.This time I will take with me something very dear to my heart, along with the usual thoughts of family and friends this time I take some photo's and memories of my nephew Liam who died tragicly in January this year after being innocently poisoned by methanol whilst holidaying with his mates in Lombok, Indonesia. Here is my story:
Picture this.................... You and your mates are on holiday and are off on a dive trip on one of the Gili Islands,..........................you are aware of the dangers of Arak and check out the bars to find a legitimate looking bar that sells legit looking spirits, ...............after finding one you enjoy an amazing days diving with your mates, ...................you celebrate at the bar you previously sussed out, you meet new friends and have an amazing time, ....................you return to Lombok , ................at 0500 the next morning you awake in trouble, you cant see properly and feel very ill, you ask your mates to help you, ......................you are taken to the local International hospital, ...............and soon after fall into a coma, ......................you are misdiagnosed and even though an expat retrieval team are on their way to return you to Perth it is too late.......................................... 4 days later , despite the awesome efforts of the ICU team, you die, ......................................, all for the sake of a simple Vodka poured from a legitimate looking racked bottle.
                                                    A drink to die from
The L.I.A.M Foundation was formed after Liams death to provide awareness to tourists and locals alike, funds raised will also provide education to medical teams and hospital staff and additionally we hope to be able to raise enough money to provide a dialysis machine. These measures will save lives and through the Racing the Planet Gobi march and its international connections, I am hopeful that even more awareness can be raised to help stop the illegal tampering of spirits and resulting methanol poisonings.
So committed I am in my quest to nail the Gobi, and to help save lives through awareness and funds generated  - and by the way "nuts" I am not.
So bring it on.........

Comments: Total (8) comments

Denise Lahood

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 07:41 am

Megan you rock!! What an amazing thing to do for Liam - he will be with you every step of the way. Liam would be so proud of what you guys are doing - walking the talk.

Penny - Little Sis

Posted On: 29 May 2013 10:04 am

How typical of brotherly love ...... he makes me cry and as I struggle to peer through my tears, trying to focus on his deep and meaningfuls....... he slaps me with a wet fish! So big sister I wish you well - you have a big heart, you have big strength, you have big perseverance and you have big mana ..... and Tim has big feet!

Tim Davies

Posted On: 29 May 2013 04:02 am

To my big sister, and Liam's Aunty. We are so pround of you and eternally thankful for everything you have done, and are continuing to do. You were there in our moment of need, thank you..............now hurry up and get this walk done, we have lots to do. For everyone else.......hold you loved ones close and cherish every moment, be careful. PLease support us with the LIAM charity to raise awareness and provide education and training, we are trying to make a tangible difference and prevent others from dying and there families from having to suffer like we are. Go for it Meg's we love you heaps eh! P.S. I heard that our other sister is keen to try out for the next race!

Elizabeth Davies

Posted On: 24 May 2013 01:40 am

More than 1 person every day dies in Indonesia from methanol poisoning. Everything you do is helping raise awareness - Go Megan!

Janis McKibbin

Posted On: 23 May 2013 12:37 pm

All the best Megan - thinking of you will follow the progress on-line. Your walking for a very worthy cause, take care - Janis

Elizabeth Davies

Posted On: 20 May 2013 07:21 am

Best of luck in your adventure, Liam would have been proud of you as we all are. xxx Mum

Riitta Hanninen

Posted On: 24 Mar 2013 05:23 am

Such a sad story, so sorry to hear about Liam. I'm glad that you are supporting his foundation to get the word out. Worthy cause and no better place to march for it than the beautiful Gobi Desert. Take care and look forward to seeing you soon, Riitta

Lhani Davies

Posted On: 23 Mar 2013 11:15 pm

If you have ever gone on holiday and ordered a spirit, a cocktail then you have done exactly what got Liam killed. Go get em Aunty Megan. Liam will be right there with you (probably on a motorbike instead) but still right there with you every step. Knowledge is power