The Ger Camp

We really enjoyed the first part of the walk (whole thing was 12km) up a little track through some leafless trees to a col and then down. It was very hot. The spring flowers (yellow or purple crocuses) are coming out and grass is starting to appear. Once down the other side we passed glamping gers
with en suite and the start of a concrete hotel. Then it was a gradual pull up to the monastery (place of contemplation). We followed placards with Buddhist sayings up the hill, crossed a wobbly not too secure bridge and then climbed steep steps (the elephant’s trunk according to the gateman) to reach the little temple. We were the only people there, so it was very peaceful and there was a lovely view down the valley. However on the way back down the path we met about 100 schoolchildren aged about 7-9. We didn’t go back the way we’d come, but instead carried on down a dirt road, being met by about 20buses and several cars, all throwing up dust which inevitably got in my contact lens. It was not the best walk in the world. The scenery is lovely but marred by many ger resorts, pylons, and plastic rubbish blowing around. I’d imagined it to be more remote and quiet.
After we got back we had lunch and a rest. We saw a lammergeier (vulture) amongst the rocks above. Apparently it was 2 years old and couldn’t fly yet and its parents had kicked it out to look after another egg or chick. However a man came and took it away. Nemo thinks he might be taming it to be a tourist attraction by the road. Pay to pet my vulture! Later Nemo took us to walk up a little valley to see a lammergeier nest and who was near but the man and the 2 year old which he’d left up on a ledge with a bit of sheep leg to eat. It had a green tag on its leg so who knows what’s really going on.

When we got back it was time for archery which is a national sport. I really enjoyed it though both Mr C and I missed the target. Not by much! We had a laugh thinking of the grandsons with their “it’s not a weapon Granny” and here she is with a bow and arrow!
Blip by Mr C

I’m really behind - hopefully get a chance before I get home!