The Gobi Desert - Expedition journal page 4

Everything begins with the arrival of the goats. Usually three or four flocks a day come to drink at a well at a hundred metres distance from the dig site. The goatherds cannot easily water all their goats at a time. So, one day, a cunning goat catches sight of us and brings the others to our sieving tubs, that soon begin to look like drinking troughs.

This experience teaches us that actually a lot of animals are living in the desert. Insects and spiders are probably the most common.

And whoever says 'insects', says 'insectivorous animals', like birds and... lizards (to Annelise's delight).

We see few camels this year. It's probably too early in the season and they dwell still in the depths of the desert. But we often see hefty wild horses grazing where the grass isn't parched yet.

But Pieter and Thierry are particularly enthralled by an intrepid rodent, hiding under the canvases where we dry the sediment. With much patience, Pieter can hold it in his hands, but it is not in the least inclined to show its teeth... It is much too afraid we would steal them!