Higher and even more majestic

A bright morning sun greeted us at 4:30 am shining down in between the canyon walls. The rushing river beside our campsite was a constant lullaby all night and everyone claimed an amazing restful night.

We breakfasted early and then climbed one of the canyon walks for views of the valley and gorge below.

Leaving mid morning we ascended higher into a valley full of high meadows and nomadic families migrating to summer grazing land. We stopped and purchased fermented horse milk to drink later. It was interesting watching a mare being milked. A first for me. The inside of the yurt was full of colorful weavings and a dozen small children.

We made the 10,400 summit around noon and stopped for pictures and snow for the coolers. The air was exhilarating and the altitude just "high" enough! These mountains are 17,000 to 25,000 ft tall.

We traversed a high alpine meadow for a couple of hours stopping often for photos. Along the way we purchased cheese balls made from, yep you guessed it...horse milk. Sharp and tangy with a curios undefinable taste. REALLY good. Best eaten with a beer and fresh Krygi bread.

Once again at the next summit we turned east toward the town of Aral and 100 km of dirt and gravel...yippee...Davey's favorite type road. We stopped next to a stream for lunch and then opened the roof seats for the rest of the drive.

The often one lane road ahead of us gave is a few challenges, especially sitting on the roof. We found a wonderful bush camp next to the river and below a scarlet and orange cliff. Complete with our own beach we settled in for a two night stay in paradise.