Lanzhou with La
Ran east on Yantan Lu looking for "green space" on the map -- didn't find it, but did find yantan lu turns into a muddy polluted creek (something very foul in the water). We ran through an industrialised ghetto of concrete alleys (raquette ball would be great here!) and were finally turned back because of a giant mangey dog that took took much interest in La....
Huang He with La
Found a relatively quiet park to run around - would make a nice sprint map. Trees in park are trimmed for very small people -- spend a lot of time dodging chin height branches. Really nice day out!
Run around park and along Huang He -- stomach still adjusting to local food. There was lots of crashing gongs and drums in the park -- seems everyday is a parade there. Lots of dodging insane taxis and truck drivers coming at you from all directions -- ended crossing stinky creek and down "la's alley" (think she's a local hero there). Pain in my feet and achilles is still there, but vastly better than even a week ago.
Xiahe with La
Brisk morning run up a valley on the true right from town. It wasn't that rigorous, but we could both feel our lungs from the altitude! ouch.
Xiahe with La
Climbed up out of town to the southwest -- could see into Tibet from the tops. Absolutely gorgeous day. Came down steep slopes into dry gorge which turned into an alley in the back of the tibetian quarter -- strange.
Spotted a fox near town (will probably end up as a motorcycle seat cover) -- and amused a few ravens along the tops. Its mostly short grass, with the occastional prickly shrub (rosaceae) and sparse tall tussock (Calamagrostis?). The poplars in the valleys are in full colour -- gorgeous.