July 17
Torugart Pass, China
64 km
5745 km total
Border crossing drama with peace corps guys Ben and Mike.
July 18
120 km
5865 km total
Pull up into John’s Cafe at Seman Hotel. Meet John Hannon, from Vancouver. Go for cay at Uyquer cafe later that night.
In Kashgar, this blacksmith made new clips for Alex's panniers.
July 21
Ghez, China
135 km
6000 km total
Leave Kashgar with manager dragging off back of bikes. Want 200 yuan for shower damage. No problem at Ghez checkpoint despite our paranoia.
Leaving Kashgar.
July 22
30km before Taxkurgan, China
128 km
6128 km total
Pass Kongur and Mutztagh Ata but dust storm obstructs view. Chinese student wants to speak to us but doesn’t say a word. Camp in shell of a house, very windy
Outside Pakistan.
July 23
Khunjerab Pass, China
140 km
6268 km total
Lunch in Taxkurgan. Charged extra after having eaten. People loner. Gas attack before dinner. Al hears “Free Willy 2” preview on radio