Lake Baikal

We had a good 9 hours last night so we were ready for our little boat at 10, no life jackets in evidence. The lake was mirror flat and it was lovely and sunny, though I needed 4 layers and my raincoat. We headed out to the Ice which was melting fast. 2 weeks ago they were walking on it. The boat juddered a bit as it pushed through. Some of the patterns were lovely. After an hour or so we reached land across the bay, and had a walk along the old railway line to see the tunnels ordered to be built by Alexander III in an attempt to get the train across Siberia, but needing all the tunnels was too expensive, despite them using slave labour, many of whom died.

After we returned we bought some bread and 2 fishes for £1.50 on the market. Omul tastes like hot smoked salmon, or a more delicate kipper. Tasty.

We went on a walk by the shore, then very steeply up through some pine woods for a higher view of the lake across to high snowy mountains. On the way back we called at a garden of a guy who makes sculptures from junk which was fun. He also collected old TVs, motor bikes, phones etc.

After dinner I went for a sauna which was typically Russian - the very hot bit, followed by getting a bucket of freezing cold water thrown over my head, then the birch twig whipping. Thrice!

One of the best days yet!

Tuesday 1 May