Postcards from a Mongolian Desert Expedition

Postcards from a Mongolian Desert Expedition

As most of you know, Lauren from Team Globetrooper is currently undertaking one of the toughest adventure challenges of her life. She’s trekking 1,600 kms (1,000 miles) across the remote Gobi Desert in Mongolia. She’s covering over 30 kms each day, all with her trusty companion Bumblebee (the Bactrian camel).

Lauren was able to upload a few small photos with the team’s satellite connection. And WOW! What a place to be. The photo to the right is Lauren and her tent-mate, Flo.

In less the two weeks, the expedition has lost two members due to infection, injury and sickness. They still have at least six weeks to go, so one can only imagine it’s going to get (much) tougher from here.

The Gobi 2011 Expedition

Gobi Desert Landscape - This is what Lauren wakes up to every morning

Gobi Desert Wild Horses - Wow, what a site! And what an ominous looking sky. If it's not a blazing hot sun, freezing cold nights or brutal sand storms, it's the threat of a violent deluge.

Gobi Desert Critters - Not sure what snake this is, but it's definitely not your common non-venomous tree python. Looks deadly to me. Any guesses? Rattlesnake maybe?

Gobi Desert Bactrian Camels - These are Lauren's favourites of the bunch; I'm not sure if one of them is her Bumblebee. Certainly odd looking camels; great creatures apparently.

Gobi Desert Bactrian Camel - On the topic of odd looking camels, I think they bleached this one. Or maybe it's an albino. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to take a pee and coming across this. :O

Gobi 2011 Expedition - Onward march. 200 kms down, only 1,400 kms to go. Here the team of camels and humans have Close Encounters of the Wild-Horse Kind.

Gobi Desert Ger - Is that a satellite dish I see? Who said Mongolia was behind the times?

Gobi Desert Life - The reality of life in the Gobi Desert: a harsh environment and a tough existence. Lauren says that carcasses of various animals are strewn along their path.

11 Responses to Postcards from a Mongolian Desert Expedition

1. T-roy June 3rd, 2011 at 07:19 Reply

   

   only 2 weeks and people are gone, WOW! Loved the photos Lauren!

2. heather mcleod June 3rd, 2011 at 07:48 Reply

   

   yes great photos lauren! – hope you dont get too attached to the camel – cant see him coming home with you. the landscape looks just amazing – what a story you will be able to tell – hang in there Loz yu are doing fine xx

3. randomtrekker June 3rd, 2011 at 08:49 Reply

   

   The satellite dish is probably a solar collector for boiling water/cooking stews.

   These are used frequently in places where there is scarce fuel. No trees in any of the photos…

   • Kelsey June 3rd, 2011 at 16:19 Reply

     

     Actually satellite dishes are quite common in Mongolia. As for fuel, dried horse and camel dung is used for fires.

4. Lily June 3rd, 2011 at 14:49 Reply

   

   You’re a trooper Lauren, keep it up! Beautiful photos and the camels are adorable, they almost remind me of the alpacas/llamas in South America :)

   Sending you healthy wishes from Bulgaria!

   - Lily

5. Leigh June 3rd, 2011 at 15:59 Reply

   

   Sounds like an amazing adventure and what a great set of shots.

6. Norbert June 5th, 2011 at 11:47 Reply

   

   Wow, Great shots Lauren! Hope the trek is going smoothly for you. I love the camels!

7. Usha June 6th, 2011 at 04:18 Reply

   

   The camels are cute!! Way to Go Lauren!

8. Cath Sweatman June 13th, 2011 at 13:13 Reply

   

   Hi Lauren,

   I thought of your trek this morning as I used the campsite showers this morning. I hope the good times are far outweighing the lack of shower hardships and you’re having an amazing time. The photos look incredible! Hang in there and keep making us jealous. I’m looking forward to the stories when you’re back. Take care and good luck.

9. Gray June 15th, 2011 at 14:56 Reply

   

   Awesome! I’ve been waiting to hear about this trip. Great photos. I can’t believe 2 people are out already after just a couple of weeks. Gulp.

10. John July 1st, 2011 at 22:09 Reply

    

    Lauren,

    Keep up the good trek. Laura Davenport has been very helpful with the updates and it appears you and your members are plugging away. Continue to stay motivated and god speed.

    Cheers to a safe return!

    John Zamojcin