A leisure morning was wonderful. Slept in, did some sorting of my pack, shopped for some supplies and had lunch. Batumi was busy and not as pretty in daylight. We left around 1pm and drove across the huge coastal plain passing quaint villages and farms. The price of independence from soviet Russia was evident in the disrepair of buildings, homes, and roads. Georgia is still struggling economically.
We turned northeast and headed for the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Sasa wanted share us a Georgian natural wonder that not in our itinerary. There we enjoyed an unplanned visit to a recently discovered and opened cavern. We descended some 300 feet touring cavern hall after hall fill of magnificent formations and crystals. The cave was dramatically lit and piped in flute music serenaded us as went up and down hundreds of steps. It was great exercise after a bumpy four hours in the truck.
Our destination tonight was another hour to Kutaisi, an historical and cultural center. As we wove through the narrow streets and valleys we jogged under low power lines until being stalled by a huge open drainage manhole. It took some time to pass and then maneuver through the parked cars, often with less than inches to spare on each side of the truck. Dave and Frenchy are amazing drivers!
From the Mediterranean Sea to the Pacific Ocean, this is my first "round-the-world" tour and the first time I am traveling alone. It's also the first time I am NOT the leader of the group. This will be a huge adventure for me, one that tests my patience (smile), stamina and my ability to adapt. I can't wait!
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