The crossing of the Baikal from Khuzir to Ust-Barguzin had to be resheduled onto a larger boat because of a large swell in the open part of the Lake beyond the North Cape. The new boat was not very large which left me wondering what the small one would have been like. It was also much slower so the trip was, as a result, extended from 3 hours to 7. The first half of the crossing, in the shadow of Olchon Island was relatively calm. Here is a shot of Anastasia pouring vodka to toast the rounding of the North Cape. On the second half of the crossing in the open water it was impossible to keep anything, let alone a glass of vodka on the table. The temperature dropped and the wind got up and soon everyone was in fleeces and coats. Nevertheless, we gathered in the cabin and ate lunch, fielding the plates and food like slips in a cricket match.
Above, the rounding of the North Cape into the open Lake and below, some images of the passage into Ust-Barguzin.
After a transfer to minibus and cars we finally arrived at our humble abode for the next four nights: a log cabin with outside Banja and douche (sauna and buckets of water).
A little walk to a local shop in the village. A man walked in off the street, bought wine and plastic cups and insisted that we have a drink with him. Na Zdorovie!
