Khokh Nuur (Blue Lake), deep in the Khangai Mountains. We camped here for two days. One night three-foot high waves appeared on the lake, even though there was no wind at all. This completely freaked out my horseman and translator, who wanted to leave immediately. They were convinced sinister forces were at work . . .

Bavsai (right), from whom I rented horses and who served as horseman on my trip through the Khangai Mountains, and his mother. (Note to Big Al: notice that Bavsai is wearing traditional Mongolian headwear, and not the ubiquitous baseball cap, although the shades tucked into the brim distract somewhat from the truly traditional look.)

Just returned from a 100 mile horseback trip across the crest of the Khangai Mountains in central Mongolia. Details to follow . .
.

Searching for a pot of gold in the Khangai Mountains

My impression of the English countryside has always been influenced by the movie "Tom Jones". I thought the country was inhabited by robust, ruddy-faced peasants engaged in wholesome activities like sheep-shearing. Now it turns out the place is a sleazy mosh pit infested with party animals with names like Pippa Joynes, who is apparently not related to Tom Jones. For the sordid details see "Wild Beach Parties Ruin Lord's Island Retreat".

More palm trees . . . They're everywhere! they're everywhere!

Although much of Europe has been pummeled by an unprecedented heat wave, here in Ulaan Baatar it has been surprisingly cool and rainy this summer. That has not, however, stopped palm trees from popping up, as shown here:


Palms Flourish in Ulaan Baatar (the sign reads "American Tents")

Also see My World Wide Wanders

Norway fights back against US Seafood Imperialism: see "American Lobsters Wanted Dead or Alive-$140 Bounty".

Message to a Certain Sino: glad you liked the Smiths CD. I haven't heard it but music cognoscente Big Al says it is OK . . .

The Sceptored Isle is, according to our correspondents, suffering from an unprecedented heat wave. Not everyone is roasting, however: see "Heatwave Claims Frostbite Victim".

For more photos of my recent 10-day trip to the Khentii Mountains see Burkhan Khaldun Khora.

Young Horseperson in the Upper Kherlen River Valley

More to come . . .

Just returned from a 120 mile horseback trip around Burkhan Khaldun Mountain in Khentii Province. With me were, from left to right, Zevgee, Bira, Utzee, and Khishigee.

''Ah,'' he says, ''we got some crazy people around here. I wouldn't make too much of it.'' This is directed quote from Tom Foy of Berlin, Pennsylvania, from "Who's a Hero Now? in the New York Times. This has never been a very well-kept secret, but now the whole English-speaking world knows about it!