15-Jul-2004 -- While visiting Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park in Mongolia, we were traveling from Khongoryn Els to Dalanzadgad by way of Bayanzag and Moltsog Els, when I realized our southward line of travel would take us within a few kilometers of an undocumented confluence. I quickly explained the concept to my companions and they readily agreed to indulge me, although I was never sure if the driver understood why he suddenly had to bear left when the dirt track he had been following seemed quite acceptable.

The ground here is fine gravel, covered with small pebbles and tufts of something I’ll call grass. Although the photos seem to show an unending parking lot, the terrain does change continually with hills and valleys presenting themselves in a succession of attractive panoramas. On our way to the confluence, we had the added pleasure of seeing several gazelles.

Once the confluence had been identified, my companions spontaneously began collecting rocks to build an impromptu ovoo on the spot. Even the driver took pleasure in adding a few stones to it.

This confluence is reasonably easy to get to -- once you arrive in Dalanzadgad and can find a car and driver. As in most of Mongolia there are many dirt roads and faint tracks that aren’t shown on any map; however, the confluence is a few miles north of a well-documented route that goes from Dalanzadgad northwest to the town of Bulgan. This desert area is inhabited by nomads who keep herds of goats, camels, and horses.