The GOOD, The BAD, and The UGLY

Ben and I left Xining Tue AM for Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau. The trip here was 500 miles, included many mountain passes, at least 5 passes at about 14500ft and one pass at 16000ft. We drove for about 6 hours all above 14000 ft two of which were above 15000ft. For about 200 miles we drove on gravel/dirt roads. I have decided that roads in China can be classified as "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. Yesterday's roads were heavy on the Ugly side. Much of the landscape reminded me of driving in NE New Mexico, except at 15000ft. The altitude took it's toll. For about 4 hours I was feeling pretty bad. I got a severe headache, plus we didn't stop to eat a meal till about 4pm in the village of Madua. We did snack on sweets in the car. After we ate we went over the 16000ft pass and I really did feel goofy... my head, plus a little nausea. Once we got back down to 12000ft at Yushu I felt some better. Had a pretty good nights sleep. The Yushu Hotel was the "best" in town but left a lot to be desired.

Today (Wed) I felt much better. We head South to Naang and then into the Tibet province. From there, depending on road conditions, we will make a decision regarding how to return to Xining and back to Cindy, Susie, and Gabriel. More later.....

Laban