WALKING THE GOBI - THAYER

Walking The Gobi

Helen Thayer 63 and Bill Thayer 74, a two person husband and wife team, became the first man and woman to walk the entire length of almost 1,600 miles, east to west of the Mongolian Gobi Desert. Violent Siberian winds swept across the desert creating sand storms of choking, black dust and yellow sand that blocked out the sun, stopping everything in their path. For seven life threatening days the two were down to quarter rations while they desperately searched for water in heat up to 126 degrees. At one point they were arrested and interrogated by border guards; scorpions were their daily companions. 
      This is a story of courage, perseverance and the ability to rise above adversity. It is also a story of the Thayers' close interaction with the Gobi Desert Nomads who still live the centuries old lifestyle of their ancestors. The Thayers shared family gers, ate Nomad food and helped herd animals. They milked camels, goats and horses and learned first hand desert shamanism medicine. 
      Helen says, "I first heard of the Gobi as a 13 year old growing up in New Zealand. Then the Gobi was as far away as the moon; now at 63 the dream has come full circle."