And then it snowed

We went to bed with flurries and woke to a nice cover of snow. Our driver was concerned about the condition of the upper road so after packing up "Ursula" we were asked to walk down the first 3 miles of road to below the snow line. There we safely boarded the ATV and drove back to Kara-kol.

Once in town we unloaded Ursula and repacked Sura. A shopping trip to the local market allowed us to graze on our own for lunch. Different noodle bars, each with their own secret sauce were delicious. The shumsha (pastry filled with meat or veggies) was great, and the BBQd beef and lamb were very good. We restocked the bar with a variety of vodkas.

We left town for a short drive to the Jeti Orghuz Valley where we will spent two nights. Entering the valley the red cliffs and sculpted sandstone mountains were amazing (I know, I use this word a lot) and there we were soon deep into the spruce and cedar forest. We found a campsite next to another rushing stream and set up camp. Cabbage rolls, mashed pots, and tomato salad for dinner. Yippee. (I know, I use that one a lot as well) :-). :-)

Check out the horses among the tents!