19th July

19^th July

“Yes, it is possible, it takes 4 hours, and no, it isn’t worth it”

I was able to come up with this conclusion after my activities of the day, which wasn’t about making butter (although I am sure the exact same answer applies), but for walking to the mountains from Beskol.

Since I arrived here, I have been wondering if it was possible to walk all the way (I still have a deep dislike of taxis after my bike crash in Japan), how long it would take, and if it would leave any energy to actually climb the notorious Mount Афон (Afon). It is actually not notorious at all, but simply the closest peak, but at 1233m, it is still a fair climb – Beskol is 400m above sea level, so I cheated a bit. And I did have enough energy to climb up, somehow, despite my terrible ration planning for the trip- namely two cucumbers, two granola bars, and a packet of seaweed. It was all that I had at hand, in a country that doesn’t really DO sandwiches or rice balls, my previous two fallbacks in terms of ‘hiking food’. I will have to work on something better here though, as I think it was only the wild apples I found that kept me alive.

I most certainly didn’t have enough energy for the walk home though, and was just considering throwing myself in the river and being swept down to Ushiral – camera be dammed – when a lovely Russian family stopped to offer me a ride. Once again, my complete lack of Russian ability was brought home – I can make simple conversation with Kazakhs at least – so I will endeavour to start learning it slowly on the side I think. It will clearly come in handy. Anyway, the Russian family were part of one of the modern evangelical wings of the Christian church, and as a reward for my flicking through a Russian bible, and some brochures (all in Russian), I was driven all the way to my house, a 25minute drive- for free! Alleluia!

It really was most fortunate, as I had neglected to bring any money with me, so was facing walking all the way home again, which would have meant a round trip of close to 40km. Which for those who remember my 50km, 16hour epic hike in Japan last summer, is not something that I can’t do. However, the (small) bragging rights that that allowed helped motivate me for the trip, and I also had someone to talk to, and more food to eat.

I will be away at the local educational authority summer camp for the next 10 days. The kids will all be 8^th class Biology students, and they will have biology class all morning, and then optional sports and English in the afternoons. It seems like a lot of work, but will see how it goes.

So no updates for 10 days dear readers, how will you cope?!