All packed and ready to go, our group set out on our 5-day expedition up Lake Baikal early this morning. Today we spent most of our time on the Kozhov, the ship which we will call our home for the week. While getting settled in, we were treated with spectacular views along the coast of dense taiga forest on the continuous mountain peaks and sunlit valleys. After a home-cooked lunch on the ship, we docked for the afternoon at Bukhta Peschanaia, also known as Sandy Cove. This afternoon was spent exploring the Cove, hiking up the ridges, marveling at the root structures of Siberian pines, and partaking in a rock-skipping contest on the beach. Sandy Cove's bay is exceptionally shallow for quite a distance off land, making its waters some of the warmest in the lake. With this in mind, the group took full advantage of a great opportunity for a dip, jumping off the ship's cabin roof into the still-brisk water.
Back on the ship for the rest of the day, our group expects to complete the first leg of our journey late this night. Crowding around a small table for a warm, Russian dinner, we all reflected on the adventures of the day, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in the days to follow.
Alexandra
No comments:
Post a Comment