And we're off........

Early, raining, and with a full load (every seat sold), we set off. Gino, our leader, gave the introduction to Archie, our truck,    as we headed to the markets for shopping. 

With cook teams assigned we descended on the local supermarket, one of the few in town open. The holiday is still in full force!  By now it was really raining and we were all soaked!

We drove northeast toward the national park and visited the newly completed Ghangis Khan statue-a 131 ft tall stainless steel colossus standing on the presumed birthplace of the Mongol leader who conquered nearly half of the known world at the time. 

After lunch we headed to Terejli National Park where we camped. The surrounding mountains and pastoral landscape were beautiful as were the clear blue skies that appeared late in the day and into the night. It was horse meat stew for dinner, done in the pressure cooker and delicious.  We will be here for two days. 

This picture is of the Mongolian highway. They make their own tracks up and over the mountains. Hysterical...and muddy!