Tuesday 28th May - Jeti Oguz

Wow! What a day! We were in the minibus at 9.00 ready to be taken to the start of our walk. We travelled west and eventually turned off the good road onto a more minor one that led to a dirt track. At least it was dry. We must have been on this for at least 30 minutes, passing the occasional homestead and many cows, horses, sheep and goats grazing in the vast meadows in the valley, with the constant backdrop of snow capped mountains. There were eagles soaring, although probably not golden eagles. Shepherds huts and yurts were scattered on the hillside. Apparently the shepherds use these for 5 months of the year to look after all the livestock in their care. There were also many bee hives that were being located in the meadows and we assume this is because the wild flowers are out.

Eventually we arrived at the start. We were already at 2300m and as soon as you started walking you could feel this. It was harder to breathe! The pace was slow and steady, just one foot in front of the other, through meadows and trees (don’t walk under the trees as there are ticks hanging in them😱) and then out onto more meadows. We stopped for a snack which gave us a chance to look at the scenery around us. It was quite magnificent again. How do you begin to describe it? It does bring a sense of awe and wonder and just how small you are in comparison.

On we walked across more meadows where again the wild flowers were numerous. One meadow was tinged lilac and yellow with primulas and violas. If only the camera could capture that hue.  There were birds around but the one that we really noticed was the cuckoo whose song accompanied us for quite a long way.

We reached the col at 2805m and once again took in the view. Despite the clear blue skies and sun the air was cooler here so we started our walk down until we found a sheltered spot with a view for lunch.

Then the walk down. Steep in places but a reasonable path. We had made good progress so our local guide took us on a detour to see a waterfall. Always a good thing to see!

Then the last bit and we were at the finishing point where Micha and the minibus were waiting for us by the side of the river. There was tea, slices of fruit, biscuits and chocolates which we tucked into. Today’s walk was 11.73km and 525m of ascent.

We also took the opportunity to take off our boots and soak our feet in the river. The guide said to do this for no more than 30 seconds. Why? I didn’t even last that long. It was so cold!

On our return we stopped to see the 7 bulls. Not real animals but natural rock formations. The colour of the red rock was quite dramatic.

We have taken a lot of photos today so there are more in the gallery.

Our meal tonight was at a local restaurant. There were salads, soups, the traditional bread/doughnuts, and then the most enormous plate of barbecued fish and meat. We could not do it justice even after a days walking in the mountains!