We’re back in a city, this time Ulan-Ude. Among the claims to fame is the worlds largest Lenin head. This city is also center of the Buraty region and we’re suddenly seeing different peoples, as if we suddenly stepped into a bit of Mongolia. However, I’m surprised to find the local supermarket even has peanut butter!

This past five days we cycled past Lake Baikal and camped one night between shores of the lake and the trans-Siberian railroad. We met an olympic speed skater from Russia who competed in Turin. We’ve had some hilly terrain though last few days are less hilly. Also, fewer problems with insects these past few days than before. We have a few warm days here in Ulan-Ude.

Plan is to explore Ulan-Ude and also meet up with my brother Bert and sister-in-law Jean as they also come to this city. Also need to see if it is possible to post photos and previous days logs. [Note: doesn’t seem possible, so try again in Chita]