Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Our Trip North Continued

During our out of town trip (see previous post), we saw some interesting things and visited some interesting places.

We were amazed to see miles and miles (oh, excuse me, kilometers and kilometers) of wheat fields, like the one pictured here. Mongolia does produce most of its' own flour needs, now, and is pushing to bring that to 100%.

Then we came across a herd of camels. As you will probably notice, they are rapidly loosing their winter coats, trading them in for summer attire. This big old guy seemed to be the 'King' of the group.

And finally, we drove the extra 15 or 20 kilometers from our northern most stop (Sukhbaarar City), to the Russian border. This is the guard station through which we had to pass, after already having obtained needed permits at a border patrol office in Sukhbaatar City. The road was gated at this point and the guard had to review our papers before he would let us through.

We were told that we were standing in Russia as we took this group picture. Elder and Sister Powell (a couple we have become quite close friends with and who traveled from Ulaanbaatar with us on this trip) are standing on our left (your right) and Elder and Sister Anderson (the senior couple assigned to Sukhbaatar City) are on our right (your left). That is more of Russia in the background.

On the map, you can see the red circle noting the area where we were (click on the picture to get a larger view). The river in the background of our group picture, is the Selenge River, which empties into Baikal Lake in Russia.

So now Sister Caldwell and I have been in Mongolia, Hong Kong China, Korea and Russia. Who'd a thunk!!
.

7 comments:

Bressler Bunch said...

I can't believe how fast those crops get put in after such a long hard winter. They are really hard workers there.

And my goodness you have just become the little world travelers!

REBYRYAN said...

So just curious, did you go to Russia just so you could say you went to Russia or did you do something while you were there?

The Fendleys said...

I NEVER in a million years would have thought that you could say that you have been to so many different countries. Way to go Mom for being brave and getting on that plane, look what you have to show for it now. That is awesome!! I love the first picture, the fields look really cool like that.

Mr C said...

We went to Russia just to say we went to Russia, but we did some hiking and took some great pictures.

Ryan Cowley said...

Still cool!

The ABC fruit or vegetable would actually be easy for the kids because we have an ABC fruit and vegetable book! And yes, we will have plenty when you come home. It seems like right around Sarah's birthday is when we have the most stuff ready to eat!

Dave Osborn said...

Like driving through Kansas! except for the camels that is ! One of the blessings you get on a mission is the new friends you develop! The treasured times with new friends! The mts are beautiful right now, and I am going to head up to the cabin! I need a break! I have almost worked 8 full hrs today, exhausting!
Coach Osborn

Ryan Cowley said...

Hello? Hello? Are you still there?