In the last newsletter, CBCGDF volunteer, the British adventurer, explorer, extreme athlete Ash Dykes crossed all kinds of difficult scenarios, with the help and guidance of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), finally arrived in Qumalai County, Qinghai Province, his first “checkpoint” smoothly. Standing in the north source of the Yangtze River, he has had a fruitful and effective interaction with the local volunteer Renzeng Duojie of CBCGDF. They exchanged topics such as local environmental protection, wildlife species conservation and environmental education for local children. He also personally milked the yak and spread the yak dung to fully experience the local habitat.

 Warm reception by the hospitality locals in Qumalai County.

After that, he and the team arrived in Yushu County, Qinghai Province. This marks the end of the five-week start of the journey, which is the first chapter of his mission, the Mission Yangtze. During the Yushu retreat, he reflects and looks back at the last five weeks, covering almost 600 miles already! At the same time, he and the team made an official media release, the news titled “British Adventurer Ash Dykes has arrived at his first major milestone while traversing the length of China’s Yangtze River on one of the greatest world-first expeditions of the decade”. Special mention was made of the help and guidance to Ash by CBCGDF and local authorities in Qinghai Province, in particular: “Ash has also partnered with the Green Foundation and has been educated regarding plastic pollution in this area and the nomads perspective of it”. For more detailed information, please refer to Ash Dykes official website: https://www.ashdykes.com/news/2018/mission-yangtze-chapter-1-complete.

Very cherishes of his CBCGDF volunteer certificate.

New friends met on the way to Yushu.

Ash expresses on social media: “This is the true wild west of Asia, in all its beauty. The sheer scale and isolation of this vast landscape should not be underestimated, and it certainly makes you feel vulnerable and insignificant at times.”

In the media release, Ash says: “It is tough and draining to say the least, but I enjoy what happens along the way, from the people I meet, the challenges I face, the scenes I witness, wildlife I encounter, stories I’m able to share, survival and all the rest of the magic that inevitably happens during the process.”

Shocked by the beautiful scenery of the area.

Trekking in the area where bears are infested.

With Kyle, a temporary companion to Yushu. (Photo source: @欧阳凯kyle)

“I feel fortunate to be able to help and hopefully motivate, inspire, educate and work with some of the biggest education authorities along the way, answering people’s questions and showcasing the true beauty of China – live time!”

Opening the second chapter, encountered a mudslide in a thrilling way. Ash, who always puts his companion in the first place, decided to suspend it slightly.

Feeling fit, strong and covering good distance.

Far away, heart farther

At present, Ash and the team have entered Sichuan Province, and plan to arrive in Batang County whith two days, with Lijiang in Yunnan Province as the destination of the second chapter. Through CBCGDF, he invites the whole world to follow him to the whole route of the “Mission Yangtze” in real time on his official website GPS satellite tracker (https://www.ashdykes.com/yangtze/live-tracker). To keep track of his precise location/altitude/speed information. If you are interested in learning what amazing experiences Ash will encounter next, and his inner journey, just stay tuned on Wechat ID: ChinaGreenExpress.

GPRS locats his current spot. (Source: ashdykes.com)

With his new temporary guide Alex just entered Sichuan Province - enjoy the hot pot yum mate!

Arriving at Dege after cracking 55 kilometers in 9 and a half hours.

Arriving at Gongya, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

(The photos in the text are exclusively provided by Mr. Ash Dykes except for those already signed, please indicate the source.)

Welcome to follow @AshDykes on social media.

Original Chinese article:

http://www.cbcgdf.org/NewsShow/4937/6532.html

By / Niu Jingmei