Russia 1985 - Svanetia Trek

Photo: Uschba, view from campsite

Sep 17,1985 Another beautiful day. Our hike took us past a swift river, pine woods, and scenic mountains. Uschba, in particular, was very impressive. Helga, who had been suffering from flu symptoms, was feeling much better. However, Yvonne was feeling quite weak and run down. She had been very strong until today.

We filled our water bottles at a mineral water spring. The farmland was fertile, but methods were primitive. Teams of oxen, wooden sleds, scythes, and other old tools were seen. We reached the town of Masery and rested in the private yard of a friend of Lonya's. They gave us a large round loaf of home baked wheat bread. We had wanted to catch a bus there, but instead found we had to walk a few more miles to reach a bus stop.

Photo: Ralph with mallet at cabin