Well, you could ask for some sunshine but better not to push your luck.

We appreciate you! Writing a blog is an effort for sure, and it is such a pleasure to read yours. You will never regret doing it, and we are delighted you do. It was great to see your post and that your health has improved. Hoping for better weather for you!

Dodie writing. I am so glad to see a more upbeat post from you two today. Even though I understand that your internet connection may not always be the greatest I still watch eagerly for a new post and breathe a big sigh of relief when it appears. Wishing you both all the best each and every day.

Eating well on a trip like this one can be a definite challenge, but malnutrition really will zap you and cause fatigue. Early on I wondered about that for you when I saw that mostly you were eating ramen. Maybe look for some dried meat, and if you are vegetarian, something else for protein that is easy to transport. Carbs are important, but you do need protein — and a bit of fat — in your diet.

You are doing just great and I am in your cheering section for whatever you decisions will be.

This is Dodie writing. You two are amazing and even starting such a challenging ride is remarkable. However, as others have already said, you have nothing to prove and need to remember that this is your ride and you should do it, or not, in whatever way gives you the most joy. If it is turning out to be a long hard slog you may need to cut it short, change your plans or otherwise drop it altogether. No one who counts will think any the less of you. Hoping to learn about whatever comes next for you, and sincerely wishing you all the best.

What others have written. Touring should be enjoyable.
Rest, change your plans, take busses, do whatever is necessary.
On one of our rides Mary was exhausted and took a lift with our panniers and I rode the unladen tandem solo to the overnight stop.

Hang in there you two. I really hope you are both feeling better. When I was in Peru I got sick too. If you can find some probiotics tablets they helped me a lot. Yogurt?
Decisions are easier to make if you are feeling healthy and rested. Give yourselves a couple of days.
This ride sounds extremely challenging so you should be very proud of yourselves for all you have already accomplished. Chin up.
Keith’s advice on tires ( for another adventure) is good. Lyle and I have had very good luck with marathon supremes ( they are lighter than the plus). We have had 6 flats in 60000km between the two of us. About 6000 km of that on our tandem. We do ride the majority of time on pavement. So that is where the marathon plus might be better for where you folks want to ride.

In regards to Buddy’s comment. I don’t know if they exist in the area you are in but I got a self sticking patch kit for tubes a few days ago. 5€ for 6 patches. They work really well and way lighter than multiple extra tubes. ( always good to have a couple extra tubes)Definitely worth having in a repair kit in the future. I am enjoying your blog and your honesty and positivity. Keep riding and enjoy each day as it comes.

Lovely smiling faces! You made the bus. Hurrah.

Well done you two. You have a positive attitude which can take you far. I second Scott’s comment. Embrace your decision and move on.😊

Great news about the tires but not so much about the tummies. You have picked a very challenging route and given what has been thrown at you we can only admire your drive and determination. You will make the right decision and no shame if you decided you have had enough. Hopefully you will find an oasis for a few days where you can regroup and reassess. On the tire front we go with Schwalbe Marathon Plus with tubes. They are basically bullet proof. I can only remember one flat over the last 20,000 km with the last 2 sets. You two rock!

Hi, this is a really hard route. I was very lucky to not get sick. Even so, I felt anxious and vaguely nauseated every morning before a big climb. It was just so hard for me above 4500 m. Every time.
Far, far harder than Baja Divide or Western Wildlands routes.
A friend, a very seasoned traveller, advised me by email to 'slingshot' myself to the good parts of the route of my choice using trucks and collectivos and to let go of any 'completionism'. I followed this advice and a load was lifted and my enjoyment increased. Very best of luck and good wishes to both of you. I ended up riding about 1000 k of the 1500 k route. But I met lots more good and interesting folks and my skill in Spanish grew even faster. Steve

I also hope for a quick recovery for you both. What a tough experience. You will make the right decision. Give yourselves time and space to decide. You are braver and more adventurous than I imagine I could have ever been. Being sick away from home is never fun…although I agree, a five star hotel might help! Hang in there. I selfishly hope things improve, tummies, weather, roads and tires, because I am enjoying following your journal immensely.

Hope for fast recovering for both of you.

I think this is exactly the right attitude. Make the best decision you can with what you know at the time, hope for the best, learn from experience, and don't look back with regrets or misgivings too much.