Lakes

After a late set-off, we head for the road to Bishkek.

Almost immediately we bump into 2 teams. One of the teams has rather an unusual 'display' on its roof rack. There are 2 plastic horses, each 18 inches tall, one black, one white on the front. On the back, 2 plastic cats appear to be climbing up the roofrack........

It takes all sorts.

The roads are perfect and after an hour or so, we are taken into a steep sided valley. I realise that I use words like 'spectacular' often but, the place is spectacular.

There a series of 7 dams supplying water and power to the region but, best of all - swimming!

We stop at a private 'beach'. The water is cool, clear and incredibly welcoming. We swim for an hour and feel absolutely refreshed. I distribute lollipops to the gathered masses and we drive on.

An hour or so later, we cross a high pass and are greeted with the sight of an enormous reservoir and a beautiful sunset.

Alex has done his research and after a while we come across a local roadside cafe that serves fresh trout.

The place is run by 'muvver' and her 4 girls who work their fingers to the bone and a son who does nothing.

But, we eat the best and simplest meal of the trip. Fried seasoned trout, onions, plain bread and tea. Unfortunately, I find it really difficult to to the 'cross-legged thing' at the table. (Why cant they just have a good old fashioned table and chairs?) It doesn't spoil the meal.

After supper, we head to the lakeside to see the young lads herding cattle. It is paradise. The sun is setting and the mountains are reflected perfectly in the lake's surface. Apart from the odd cow pat, there is plenty of softish sand to set a sleeping bag on. There's also a lot of scrubby vegetation.

We sleep rough by the car/lakeshore.