Day 13 - June 24, Hami to Quinguan

Updates from David on Patricia's Rally progress.

727 km (of which 436km Special Section)

More dunes today ..... just as big, but not as hot ..... due to cloudy conditions. Patricia sounded a lot happier about this ! Today was reckoned to be the most beautiful of all stages - blue rocks and blue sand. The competitors have been informed that there are more dunes tomorrow, but as there obviously cannot be that much sand in the world, Patricia thinks it is just a wind up.

27th position for the day, means Patricia is still at 21st overall.

For those of you unable to tune in to Motors TV, there is a video clip of each days action on the Rally website at http://www.transorientale.com/medias/video.php

I have extracted some photos from the website - see attached powerpoint presentation, which includes some pictures of Patricia in St Petersburg, then some stunning library shots from the Rally itself. Wow ! The file is 4Mbit, so it may not come through to everyone - in which case, you can look at the Gallery on the website itself if you wish...

Your reporter thoroughly enjoys the regular correspondence from the global readership of this newsletter. Especially if the sentiments are recommending a knighthood, a pay-rise or ...... are simple comments of re-assurance about the sense of humour employed herein. Informative comments are also welcome.

For example, Annette from Germany has asked me add to my list of German achievements, which currently includes motorways, cars, beer and sausages - the important fifth dimension ..... GIRLS. I should be the last person to make such an omission and no doubt punishment will be swift and painful on the 2nd of July when Patricia lands at Stansted from Beijing !

Thank you as well for the good wishes to Patricia you are sending through - these are all passed on to her. You can also send her emails direct ... as she seems to have access most nights.

Over and Out....

Reminders if you are glued to progress and want up to the minute news:

Motors TV is a good watch each night (21.00 GMT and 23.30 GMT) , repeated the next morning (10.00 GMT) , if you have access to it...