Friday a couple of other volunteers came into town for a visit and some hiking. We were supposed to have a larger group come in, but they sadly took a taxi to our town and somehow ended up in Astana (the opposite direction). Ha.
So the four of us hiked up to Lake Baceen. Despite the ice that is still on the lake, the rest of the area isn't bad. The hike was wet in places but the snow has melted for the most part. The birds were out, we saw the years first squirrel, and saw some pretty flowers!
Overlooking Karkaraly
This one gives you an idea of the size. Mary, Gambrill, and Hillary are all around the lake.
Hillary on the edge
We walked over to a cool rock formation.
Two roads have washed out in the last couple of weeks. This one is the road next to Gambrill's house (in background). They'll have some repair work to do as soon as the water level drops.
Tomorrow I'm off to Karaganda for a week-long conference.
