Sunny days

We finally got a break in the weather today, and want a treat! We headed out from the resort towards the lake after breakfast. It was in the 70s with a slight breeze and sunny skies. This side of the lake was much less rocky than the Irkutsk side – not exactly white sand, but quite beautiful. It’s also a striking juxtaposition to walk out of the birch and fir forest onto a beach, and look across and see snow topped mountains.

Since Mark had done his duty on Al’hon, we three girls each took a quick dip in Lake Baikal. It was frigid. I don’t think any of us were in longer than 5 seconds, and no one went more that waist deep.

Back to the inn, and they arranged for Ora and I to go ride horses. Unfortunately, Ora’s seemed more interested in eating grass than taking a walk down to the beach, so that excursion was short lived.

We’re on our way back to Ulan Ude now, and hopefully this weather will hold for a few days, at least. Our train leaves tomorrow afternoon at 1 p.m. I knew that our time in Ulan Ude would pass quickly, and it certainly did. It was nice to have such a relaxed schedule, but it certainly was different that Irkutsk! We didn’t even attend a Rotary club meeting… I guess the timing just wasn’t right.

I’m sure Chita will pass quickly as well, though based on the preliminary schedule they provided us, our days are going to packed full!