Now Under Mongolian Skies...

Well, we have made it.  To Mongolia.  More or less.  Diana and Alex-less, but here!  We left Astana on the afternoon of the 12th, sadly leaving Alex behind to decide whether or not he would fly to Ulan Bataar or just fly straight home.  I was moved from the back of the Kiwi's SJ to the Nissan Micra belonging to Team Dzogchen, Tommy has remained baggage in the SJ.  We basically spent 3 and a half days driving and sleeping in our cars on the side of the road.  Exiting Kazakhstan and entering Russia took about 7 hours.  We boiled water and ate noodles on the bonnet of our cars and tossed a rugby ball around as we waited, attracting a fair amount of attention from the others in the line.  We spent about 2 days driving through Russia to reach the Mongolian border; the last night we drove all night, changing drivers so people could sleep.  We drove through some beautiful scenery as we approached the border - and needless to say the temperatures have dramatically dropped!  We arrived at the exit border for Russia at about noon and ended up waiting there for about 5 hours with several other rally cars who joined us there.  Getting through the two borders wasnt too bad and finally we found ourselves driving into the amazing expanse that is Mongolia!  We convoyed with the other cars that had waited at the borders with us and witnessed the last shreds of Mongolian sunlight off of the mountains as our cars kicked up dust on the non-roads that will be our home for the next week!  It was both breathtaking and exhilerating!  The plan was to make it to the nearest small city that same night, which was about 90 km away, however, driving up and over a mountain proved more than some of the cars could handle.  So, at about 10:30 at night in very cold temperatures, we found ourselves pushing vehicles up a mountain in Mongolia.  Yup.  One of the cars, a Nissan Micra, ended up bursting a hole in their gas tank, so once again the Kiwis stopped to help them out while the rest of us got the remaining cars up the mountain and set up camp.  That night was by far the most uncomfortable I have spent as it was FREEZING and I could not warm up.  However, the next morning when we woke up and stepped out of our tents we were greeted by an absolutely breath taking view from the top of this mountain!  We are now in the very small city of Olgii, the one we had hoped to reach last night, and are showering for the first time in 4 days, and generally recharging.  Actually, just about an hour ago Tommy and I were interviewed by a British guy named Liam who is filming a piece for the Discovery Channel on the Rally!  He was looking to interview Americans and there we were!  Apparently the footage he is doing now will be used as a pilot for the piece which will be based on next year's Rally.  He might interview us again tomorrow in the town market, we shall see.So, from here its onwards towards Ulan Bataar!  We are doubtful that we will make it by the 19th, but hopefully it wont be much later than that.  Mongolia thus far seems like a pretty incredible place; I cant really believe that we are here!  I am looking forward to seeing more of it and reaching the finish line - hopefully!  Another site to check out for stories and pictures is Team Endo's site on the Mongol Rally website: http://mongolrally.theadventurists.com/index.php?mode=team&sub=display&name=timandfudge.  They should have a bunch of great pictures - Tim has taken A LOT.  Right, all for now from Mongolia...