The tracks were worse than the previous days. The 6mm magnesium alloy protection of the underside really earns its keep.

We spent the day fixing the damage done over the last two days in the Gobi desert.  Amazingly there was no damage to the radiator or leakage, just a radiator mounting that had cracked which the service crew welded up for us.  We then reinforced it with recycled tow rope just to make sure and acquired a new webbing tow rope via the hotel concierge for $30.  This was to prove a life-saver and the bargain of the year!  We then secured the dashboard which was falling off as the brass screws had sheared through.  The front shock absorber was hanging loose so we reversed bolt and tightened – in fact Jon spent a long time tightening everything in sight – we had rather underestimated the effect of all the shaking and rattling!