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| Enterin Mongolia |
July 4th it took 6 hours to pass from Russia to Mongolia. 20 kms. It was the most inefficient border I’ve ever encountered, and anyone planning to cross it should definitely not do it on a Monday- or any day after a day it was closed. When I finally made it to the descent, it was a blizzard. No photos, but I still have a pink cheek from the sharp, stinging crystal. I arrived in Tsagaanuur and spent the night with a family. I’m glad I know how to do that. Then yesterday I had a 70km ride that started brisk and clear and beautiful. It turned into a bit of an ordeal as I lost my direction after a 2-hour push up the pass. I had to scout for about 30 minutes to determine which of the 3 roads I should take. The wrong descent could be disastrous, as this was a completely unpopulated area for miles and miles. I made the right choice and was rewarded eventually with 30kms of downhill asphalt with a tailwind. I landed in this perfectly serviceable ger camp. Tye beauty of a short trip is it doesn’t matter if I pay double to sleep in the privacy and and convenience of my own ger. five more dollars makes no difference. Of course on a year-long trip, paying double for everything could cut your trip short.
As I am anxious to get on the road (after getting breakfast and groceries for the next four town-free days) I have no inclination to write. Perhaps when I get through the other side, to Khovd, I will have more insight on how I have been handling the isolated days and nights- a road without people. If you know me, this is one of my greatest challenges. But now I will hurry off to the dining room/café to join the Kazakh film crew who are making a documentary of Chingis Khan. They speak Russian and English so I can learn some things this morning. My Mongolian is not yet up to speed.
As always, comments are appreciated.
