Walking Home From Mongolia Book Review

Overview:

Rob and his expedition partner Leon McCarron walk from the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar 5000km (3000miles) to Hong Kong over 6 months. They started by crossing the cold and inhospitable Gobi Desert and as they reached closer to their destination experienced the heat and tropics of South China. Carrying a big rucksack and pulling a trailer they carried all their own equipment and camped along the way. They were largely self-sufficient with no support team, and with thanks to Leon’s filming capabilities made a documentary of the journey for National Geographic. Anyone who has walked a long distance knows that progress is slow. This slow pace allows for Rob to reflect on the pilgrimage, and the uncertainties of an adventuring career. It also allows them time to full immerse themselves in the changing cultures and appreciate the epic landscapes they encounter. The gradual change from sub-zero blizzards on the Mongolian Steeps, through to the vast industrialisation of China, with the tropical heat that creeps in, this route has it all.

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Initial Impression:

Even if you have never been to Mongolia, Rob’s ability to describe the logistical nightmare of trying to navigate any problem in this country, and the harshness the Gobi Desert presents, makes you appreciate the challenge that awaits these two. The sympathy that is created by the unfavourable conditions keeps you gripped to see how they will cope. The curiosity of how the trailers will fair on the tough terrain and if the equipment they bought is appropriate, leads you hanging on in hope that they chose correctly. Unsurprisingly it appears that every day a new unforeseen challenge presents itself that could disrupt the whole expedition, but between them they always seem to figure something out. I was always so intrigued to see what happened next. Rob’s ability to paint a picture into the daily struggles and hurdles they faced drum up massive sympathy. Imagine how much willpower it takes when you know you should go for a walk or run at home and it’s drizzling with rain, and you only intend to be out for an hour. These two had incredibly tough conditions, with ongoing logistical and equipment problems, and unwaveringly managed to roll from one event to the next keeps you wanting more. You definitely get the impression as well that what is documented is a genuine account of the experience, that there is no dramatisation or embellishment of the truth.

 

What I loved:

1/ The simplicity of the expedition. This is a compliment and not a backhanded compliment at all. Quite often people believe the more extravagant the expedition the better it is. Which is not always the case. Keeping it simple allows the reader to relate to the hardships and problems they face. It also proves an easier link or jump from our mere mortal world to theirs, we can also imagine ourselves in their position.

 

2/ Rob’s honest and open dialogue with his own demons battling it out in his head are refreshing to read from a transparency perspective. Downplaying this occurring is a robbery to the emotions that occur during hard and long expeditions. It offers a human touch and shows to a great deal the mental struggles that accompany the physical. The thoughts he has and the rationale he shows with his problem solving for these debates shows a side often neglected in these expedition books. It also sheds a light to show that everyone has their own dilemmas, which may not be shown in the pretty pictures that accompany this adventurous lifestyle often seen on a social media highlights reel.

 

3/ The writing style grips you and pulls you along the story. You become invested in their story and journey, and can’t wait to hear what happens next. His ability to describe the serious points with sincerity, and then swap to a humorous anecdote to lighten the mood is second-to-none. Having read many expedition books it’s generally the less competent writers who struggle with relaying a great expedition into a great story. Rob nailed it.

 

Who is this book for?

Someone who may be wishing to undertake an expedition but not sure on ideas. An armchair adventurer wanting a relatable and understandable story delivered with honesty and humour.

 

Conclusion:

I really enjoyed reading this book because it had the perfect balance of hardship and humility. There is no oversell and thanks to the writing style you can generally imagine yourself in their shoes. There will always be high appreciation of someone day-in day-out plugging away at a goal when at times it’s very tough. Just when you think it’s going to be too much, Rob managed to find a way to dig in a little further. Six months is a long time to be walking, especially in the conditions they walking, but it’s also a manageable time that in real life goes quickly. Which allows you to think it’s tenable to the average Joe – perhaps. Funny and humble anecdotes of an epic trip – the perfect combination.