DAY 17-20

After the two days of repair it was a 720 click trip to Semey which is also a fairly large city, but almost in an African style with dusty sidewalks, and no real maintenance,  and a disjointed in infrastructure.

On the way to Semey, we found a nice groove of trees where I put the Roses in a tree that OMI gave me for her Dad, Ludwig Bodner.  It was quite emotional and even Pete shed a tear.

DAY 12-16

Wow As I said time flies.

We are already one two three four five six days further.

DAY 12: We arrived at the Mongolian border on our way to Russia, Belekorika, at 07h30 and we eventually got through the border at 14h30 and had a 700km drive and arrived at 11h30 that night.Belekorika is a ‘Sun City’ type place and we did not see much of it as we had supper at 00h15 and were up and on the road again to the Russian – Kazakhstan Border at 7h30It was a 200km trip to the Border so we were all spread out, and got through the Border quickly (13h30), and were on the road to Semey.Semey is quite big town, but looks old and dilapidated and the Hotel can only be described as interesting. Some people got to stay in the fancy hotel, but I am sure our hotel was due for demolition the next day! The food at the restaurant was local and good.

DAY 8-12

DAY 8:  From there we have a nice early morning start to Ulaistra. We had a brilliant day and were the 5^th car in camp.  The drive was through mountains and plains, finally following  the river that is on the edge of the lave field.

DAY 9: We are now at Teel River and I am not sure where we were last night because it was one of those days that you see and on TV. 

 DAY 1 - 6:  9pm in my tent Tariat, thinking about what has happened the last 7 days, and I am not even sure it is seven days! 

We had a really good run in today and arrived at 4 pm, there are still some cars arriving after the hardest day so far.  Had a few drinks early supper and a general chat with everyone.