Rest Day. 6 /11. Sunday June 19.

  Gorno-Altaysk (Russia)

What a fortunate happening that today is a Rest Day. We’ve had very heavy showers and thunder all day. As I cycled down to the other hotel for Bike Shop (just about 1 km away)in just a t-shirt I turned back for a rain jacket when I felt a few drops. As it turned out a mere rain jacket would have been of little use during those heavy showers. As we worked inside on the bikes, the heavens opened outside and heavy thunder accompanied it.

The bike got the usual clean-up after the mucky path into the campsite last Wednesday in Chibit. Also the usual oiling and lubrication. But I was experiencing a creaking down in the transmission and consulted with Jordan. Up on the stand it goes and by feeling various parts as the wheels turned he sensed too much vibration in the bottom bracket. After taking out the crankset he noted more wear on the left hand side resulting from my stronger left leg when some extra push was needed. Cleaning and relubricating and replacing has resulted in a smoother movement, though not as good as new. I’m not surprised with the wear and tear from the last few weeks. Hopefully we’ll  make it safely together to Osh in full working order.

With the occurrence and threat of those thundery showers I didn't venture too far here in Gorno. I cycled out to a tiny Orthodox Church, the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin on the edge of town. It was closed but the caretaker emerged from a nearby house with a key in hand and I presume she was asking if I wished to go in. It's a timber structure opened in 2004 on the site of a church demolished in 1946. Inside was very ornate with candles and all the usual bible scenes in art. She couldn't give me any info about the place but I lit a candle for a safe onward trip.

Nearby, beside a recreational park in the course of development was the Gorno Spartak stadium the caters for many sports besides football and athletics on the artificial turf and running track.

Had to shelter again from another one of those showers. Handily the portico outside some office buildings came in handy. Being Sunday, I was in nobody's way.

Deciding to make it back to the hotel, I dropped down to the central square which features an expected statue of Lenin making full use of both pockets.

The centre of the square was all set up with entertainment for kids with their parents. Not too busy just yet but all ready if the day turned out pleasant.

Dropped into a supermarket on the way back keen to get rid of coins. Mongolia was great in that there were no coins, all lighter-to-carry paper money. They even had a 20 Tog note worth about 1 cent! Here in Russia there are coins for 10, 5, 2 and 1 ruble (less than 1 cent).

Gorno here is the only city in this tiny republic located at one of the most southerly parts of Russia where Russia, Mongolia, China and Kazakhstan meet at virtually a point. The republic just has a population of over 200,000 and is regarded as one of the poorest and most underdeveloped places in Russia. Public buildings and the like bear the Russian Federation flag and the Altai flag of white with a strip of blue looking like a piece from the habit of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity.

Also passed by the gilded small church of St Nicholas of Myra near the bus station. Haven't come across a church dedicated to him since I first started teaching in Francis St CBS in the Liberties of Dublin years no years ago right next door to the Church of St Nicholas of Myra. Ait mar a chasann rothai an tsaoil!

All nearly in place (laundry, bike, re-pack) for the next 5 day section that will bring us into Kazakhstan next Friday. With the SIM card working I hope to upload each day. We’ll see.

Thank God for a lovely day.