Day 224 (China): Qiemo - km marker 1700 on G315 (long days continue)

daily distance: 142km
total distance: 12,977km
riding time: 8-9h

I have made a decision, I will not be pulling all the mileage to the Yellow Sea. It is maybe possible, but I am thinking that it is better not to try and instead bus / truck a part of the way. That gives me a bit more time and alleviates some of the problems with the visa extension as I will be in better territory to get an extension. The idea right now is to head over the mountains lying ahead and then see what I can get to get me to Xinin or somewhere around there.

The day started with a bit of a scare. I left my bag in a store, but recovered it thanks to the owner. After breakfast …

… I got under way, covering the first 45km quickly - which were in inhabited / wooded areas. Then, it was all desert after that. Sand dunes, boring desert and more desert. There were some animals towards the end of the day and some great lighting. Mountains were slightly coming out of the mist on the Southern side of things, but nothing that could have been pinned on pictures.

As for the mysterious km markers … I got a question about that: they are counting down to Xinin - which is still some more 2000km or so away from the Yellow Sea. But hey, it’s something to hold on to.