So it's been a while since our last post. It's been a combination of extremely poor internet while on an island, followed by some punishing train journeys. The last of which (57 hours) we have just finished. We have treated ourselves to a hotel for two nights, so we finally have the chance to document and catch up on the last few days.
First things first though-Mum we are still alive!! 😃
Secondly, we see we have crossed the 100 follower mark!! Hello to everyone old and new, thank you and we hope you enjoy what we have for you.
We have decided to break the blogs up a bit as we have so much content, it will make sense to do an animal special, a food special etc.
Ok, so let's get down to the Olkhon Island days, it may have had primitive amenities but the natural beauty was breathtaking!
Two natural beauties to kick things off!
After a 5 hour drive, to get to the island we had to take a ferry. We began to see the beauty of the environment!
We then got back on the bus for an even bumpier ride to the main town, where we found accommodation. Luckily it was right next to the water and so we wasted no time in exploring.
The views were breathtaking as the sun went down we swam in the bay completely alone. We documented this with the GoPro so that will be another special.
We ended the night with a couple of beers and went to bed.
The next morning, we had breakfast and then went for a morning swim.
The lake again was our own.
Feeling refreshed and full of energy, we explored the surrounding area. The island is one of main sacred places for the shamanic and buddhist beliefs.
Cape Burhan or the shamanic rock as it was mostly called was a beautiful landmark. It was possible to walk through the middle of the two rock formations and the horizon opened up.
So of course, we had another swim!
Walking along the beach we found possibly the smallest banya (Russian sauna) in the world!!
While walking around we found some amazing overviews.
The day after we had planned an excursion to the north of the Island. We were surprised and happy to turn up in the morning and see our vehicle for the day was a little soviet van that seemed to be the main mode of transport on the island as the roads were just terrible!!
We managed to see more of the island and we met new friends in our van, including a Buryat guy (indigenous people to the area). He was able to give us some great local knowledge as we rode the roller coaster of the road.
We were able to see a different side to the island, before stopping for some traditional Omul soup cooked by the driver over a fire. Omul is a fish that is endemic to Lake Baikal.
After taking some more views on the way back.
We settled down with a beer to watch our last sunset on the island. It did not disappoint.
And that was it for lake Baikal, hope you guys enjoyed the pictures. You guys know what to do to help us keep bringing this content, upvote, follow, resteem. We appreciate the love!