Helen and Bill Thayer trekked through blazing temperatures, sand storms and scorpions to become the first woman and man team to complete the 1,600 mile crossing of the Mongolian Gobi Desert on foot. The Thayer's journal and Helen's photography reveal the day-by-day challenge of coping with the environment the nomads take for granted. JOURNAL Pages from the Thayer's journal relate daily experiences in Gobi's inhospitable environment. Follow their route and share their encounters with the nomads of the desert. ISSUES Some of the environmental and cultural challenges that are present in the region. ROUTE MAP Map of the 1600 mile journey showing journal entry locations. GOBI WILDLIFE Despite its desolate appearance, the Gobi has an amazing amount of wildlife. HISTORY Some background on the Mongol empire which covered most of the Asian continent--from the Pacific to eastern Europe--in the thirteenth century.