What a day what a day…..that was friggin hard, but once back in camp the opportunity to make sure all appendages are attached the energy returns.  And oh the energy and inspiration from the first few miles.  Feeling strong and my equipment settling in.  My races at home are like mental laundry that last a few days….this kind of stuff at RTP is more like Spring Cleaning on steroids!  It cleans out all corners……I think my brain started giggling like a little girl over those first miles.  Filling me with thoughts and endless themes for blogs…..love the freedoms and spark.  But as I know all too welll, the endless miles and fatigue eat inspiration for breakfast, so I got as much down as I could (that was just eaten by the internet unfortunately).

Woke up today at 4:30 to the most amazing full orange moon over the ruins of our camp.  Absolutely breathtaking – and as the sun rose opposite it I could only think how lucky we all are to see such a thing.  I wish I had a photo to share.  This all on top of the amazing concert last night of Mongolian music.  I recently rewatched GHENGIS BLUES about a SF musician who discovered Tuvaan throat singing and went to Mongolia – turns out he was an amazing singer himself and competed in a major competition (check it out). That brought me to last night and the concert…..with the small band was a wonderful Tuva Singer —— oh the overtones, the lowest of lows, the rhythmic lull.  I couldn’t help it but it brought me to tears…..magical singing.

Today’s themes:

ROADKILL: all types!  With so many herds on the land we came across skeletons, hides, furs and so on – even body parts????

Nothing like having herds of sheep and cows come by and through you —— good reminder not to take a piss stop nearby when there are wild bulls with those cows eyeing you down!  The Mongolian farmers tend to their herd with motorbikes (trail style) – one came up to me – I smiled and waved – he smiled back and patted the seat behind him with invitation.  I must say, I thought about it for a moment!  The glee of flying through that land must be fun but not worth the RTP disqualification!

I took the course a step at a time, pink flag by pink flag.  All up until I came upon this magical wild mountain.  She was a beauty – green grass, butterfly’s, crickets – come climb she says, its easy.  So away I go.  But oh my…..my midway it got harder and harder until anyone left there was taking it a few steps at a time – res – and start again.  AT that point I renamed the mountain FUCK ME ——- my god.  But by the time I reached the top I added in the full name with a nod to Austin Powers GOLDMEMBER twins, FUCK YOU because I made it (all renamed, sic, for those who know the movie reference!).

Back at camp now – and after rewriting  what I could its time for food and sleep as fast as I can!  Thanks for the blog comments and emails!

Ella:  GOOD LUCK with day 1 of the new gig!  The Gillibrand office is lucky to have you.  Keep doing great things!

Rob:  Hey – I took 4 busses and 1 transfer and found out that the inn is full!  How’s that for a challenge???  Woof!  LU!

M/D;  No Mongolian bears yet!  But some amazing dogs!