Crossing a mountain pass to get to our next wild camp

Early morning breakfast at the reservoir. The wind had changed direction so the water was cleaner. A few guys used the opportunity to have a very cold morning swim. We didn't.

First stop today was at a mountain pass. Driving primarily uphill for the first two hours to the top of the mountain pass at some 3150 meters. The truck really struggling. The last kilometres the snow started to appear bringing back memories from our mountain pass crossings in Georgia. A short photo stop at the top of Ala-Bel mountain pass and then we headed downhill. Lunch stop at a gas station and then a ten minute drive before we set up evening camp a Suusamyr Valley.

Mikkel was doing dinner with the cook group – veggie meal for a change – and then banana flambé using the dodgy president brandy from Turkmenistan. How many countries can you find a bottle of booze with a picture of the president??? Good show for the group and some nice slow motion shots by Nico. Used the remaining part of the brandy to toast with most of the guys hanging out at the fireplace. Mostly toasts to all the great achievements of the Turkmenistan president involving a lot of toasts to buildings covered in white marble and of course to some of the important ministries including the ministry of ministries. We haven't forgotten our great experiences a few “stans” ago. What a great day.

Carl learning to make scrambled eggs

Mountain pass - snow again

Lunch break

Good coffee at a gas station

Owen showing us the map and our route