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 oday our thermometer hit 126° F. We have recovered from our 7 days of thirst and our parched throats now feel as though they belong on our bodies.
We stayed with a friendly group of nomads last night and drank mares milk, ate some very good yogurt and goat curds.  By now we are used to the various foods, but the mares milk is still a test of our stomachs and resolve. We are close to the end of our journey and looking forward to ending this endurance test. We have surrendered ourselves to this desert environment in order to survive the heat, sandstorms and at times the clinging sand of the dunes. At days end our bodies are heavy with fatigue and glad to lay down to rest. In spite of all the inhumane deprivation, the long, sometimes lonely days and grinding weariness of this long journey, we will miss our nomad friends who have welcomed us like family.
We can't say enough good things about these people. The happiest, healthiest, most beautiful indigenous people we have ever met. They are clean with bright smiles and even though many had lost large numbers of animals during the zuds of the last two winters they were optimistic, and happy. We learnt a lot from them.
Our camels carried our loads day after day sometimes with considerable bellowing and general protest. But they always plodded along at a good pace. We are very pleased to know that they will be well cared for the rest of their lives.
We should say a few words about our sponsor's wonderful products—Thorlo soxs and Hilleberg tents. Both were amazingly durable. Our feet were always in good shape thanks to our Thorlo's and the Hilleberg tent took an enormous beating in the sand storms and high winds. Thanks to the Thorlo and Hilleberg people for their support and products. We will continue to use these products in future expeditions.
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