Up in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan

We had a very peaceful night beside the reservoir, although the wind did pick up towards morning. Still, the temperature was perfect, with an overnight low around 14C (58F).

We got up fairly early and did one more stop for fuel to fill the secondary tank and the portable tank. We were headed up a steep mountain road. It's actually listed as a major road, but it's unpaved and most of it is actually closed during winter.

It started off paved, but that didn't last long.

Unpaved, but still in decent shape.

This reservoir should be full, although there is still a lot of water incoming from the mountains.

Pretty hills on the other side.

Had to stop and see what was in these caves.

Not much, although it was still kind of cool. I like caves.

Still lots of water filling the reservoir.

The road ahead.

Vladdy.

Now that spring has arrived, shepherds are moving horses, cows, goats, and sheep to higher pastures.

Heading higher.

Very little civilization along the way.

So we're driving along at about 30 or 40 km/h because you really can't go any faster than that. Around the bend and there's a herd of about 50 horses... stallions, mares, and little ones.

This one looked like it was brand new... still wet.

Ruth took a video as we attempted to make our way through the herd...

This is where we turned off an a side track and put Vladdy in 4x4 mode.

But in the morning, we would be continuing higher as the road became steeper and more narrow.

Vladdy, parked up for the night at 42.226647, 71.507446

Nice view of the mountains.

We got ourselves set up and decided to for a hike up the trail that the shepherds use.

Can you see Vladdy down below?

The trail on the left above the river.

Vladdy probably could have made it up here, but there was no point in driving it.

Eventually, the track became an animal trail.

There's another herd of horses ahead.

Zoomed in.

I took a short video from our hike...

There's still some snow on the river.

The horses have a lot of foals.

Me on the trail.

Ruth on the trail.

Ruth found this little bird's nest on the ground.

From underneath, it was perfectly round as if it was formed in a bowl.

We are the only Canadians to ever see this waterfall!

Whenever we are in some odd, out of the way place in the world, I often joke with Ruth that "we are the only Canadians to see this". And often, I'm sure it's true.

There's Vladdy waiting for us.

There was a stream we had to try and cross without getting our feet wet.

Another great free camping spot!

Next up, we attempt to do the Pereval Kara-Buura Pass. Wait until you see this adventure! 

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Nice deal on this Memory Foam Dog Bed.

And in Canada...

Great deal on a 50" TV.