We woke to horses grazing just across the river. I woke to find my trusty air mattress was no longer so trusty – the first night away from large towns for a week or so not the best for the seam near the valve to split. Attempts to fix it over the next few days were futile; never mind, I was prepared for sleeping on the ground by the few Mongolian beds already experienced! I would come to miss the insulation but.

More big valleys to ride across on whichever dirt track we fancied, before the increasingly steep climb and descent to the next one. Still pretty busy with holiday traffic, but that’s relative – it was hardly a sealed highway, just busy for a dirt road.

Rare plane spotted.

Definitely needed a rest here after another steep climb.

We rerouted to drop down towards this lake, trying to get away from the main vehicle route.

Gave us a good lunch spot too.

Climbing away from the lake, nearing Shine-Ider.

A Prius approaching up what we found was quite a steep, loose climb (good fun down though!) – of course.

Much fun.

Shine-Ider, and hopefully ice cream, coming into view.

Still enjoying the colourful roofs.

A larger store than expected – I could have even got replacement shoes if the previous day’s mishap had not ended well. Hot and dry in the valley, we did find ice cream and, for the only time, had to carry a lot of water as we expected a dry campsite (somewhere).

Leaving town, we crossed the dry river bed and scooted away from the main road up a side valley.

The track was unusually rough and slow going, especially at the end of a pretty warm day, following power lines before turning off again to a campsite far enough off the road to be less noticeable, and quieter.

Again, we enjoyed camping amongst the wildflowers – there was also plenty of wild rhubarb around.

Ian and I took an after dinner stroll partway up the hills behind our tents. Looking back to where we’d come from.

Fascinating insects too to end another enjoyable day.