So after six days, a host of unforgettable experiences and close to 800 miles, most of which at least felt off road, we're back in the metropolis that is Ulaanbataar.
We're up early in the morning to catch the train to Beijing, however we couldn't leave Mongolia without at least a mention to the camels.
So, yesterday's adventure was leaving the relative comfort of the thermal spring and heading to Mongol Sand Dune, which being in the centre of Mongolia, only 280km from the capital, we were expecting to be of the grassy gravel kind. What we got however was more the Lawrence of Arabia style dune, stretching off into the distance. Even better, the family we were staying with live less than half a mile from the base. Cue dune runs, silly photos and a requirement for lots of water.
It wasn't until later in the evening, that we had our camel ride scheduled and watched a man on a horse lead two camels towards us. This in itself was fine, however we then watched him spend considerable time chasing the camels as they decided they didn't really want to be there. In fairness to the man as soon as the camels were somewhere close to be sat down, he called over a young child, of about 9 to hold them while he galloped off into the distance and didn't come back.
So that was our introduction to the camels, our next job was to ride them. Getting on didn't seem too difficult, even if Rhys' was up and away before he had his foot in the stirrups, however riding was slightly more complicated. Clearly, what was needed here was to be on first name terms. Since we weren't sure whether they we male or female we opted for androgynous names....I went for Ali (inspired by the song), Rhys went for Clive (inspired by nothing in particular).
Unfortunately our camels got out of the wrong side of the bed, and the names didn't seem to help. What helped even less was being handed our own leading ropes five minutes into the ride. This may have been more effective had it not been for the following points;
1. The camel ropes were designed for leading and therefore were only on one side, this made right turning impossible.
2. We had not been taught how to make the camels go, or stop but the former was more of the issue.
3. As much as he likes to think otherwise, neither myself or Rhys proved to be camel riding naturals.
To solve is issue, eventually our leader took Rhys' camel's rope and handed him mine, to create a miniature caravan effect. Great idea, but my camel didn't like being behind, and Rhys' camel didn't like my camel being near it...possibly because it kept trying to kiss his camel.
A further hinderance appeared in the form of greenery. Now you'd think on a sand dune this isn't so much of an issue, however apparently what it actually means is the camels are so excited by leaves and weeds, and anything else edible, they move fastest, and stand most stubbornly, when close to it, this even extended to my camels trying to feed some to me.
The last part of the ride was made up of trying to herd cattle....this we did significantly less effectively than herding sheep and goats on horseback earlier in the week indicated by managing to get just 4 of around 15 cattle (and a yak) home.
It was an experience, and a memorable way to end a memorable tour, now onto China.
Enjoying the dunes on foot
Fun Photo time
Us with Ali and Clive at the start of the ride
Clearly a natural.... :-/
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