A day out in the country

Internet back on after a few days, so this is what we've been up to outside work.
A day off today as it's one of the Victory Day public holidays. We went up to the north to Krasnovishersk and a walk along the bank of the Vishera river and a climb up the Vetlan rock. Not the best of days, it rained mostly but a good view from the top.

There is a wooden stairway up the cliff from the river bank, all 645 steps and didn't we know it. Certainly gave the legs and lungs a work out and we were glad to see the top at last.

Cup of tea out of a flask and a few pictures then head down the steps again - I guess one slip and you don't stop until the bottom.

A mile or so walk back along the river and then lunch is shashlik - in this case marinated pork done on a BBQ - courtesy of Victor our host who produces charcoal, grill, BBQ and the ingredients out of the car boot. He also gets a bottle of absinthe out - 70% alcohol so handle with care, and also some beer. Now here's the strangest thing, Victor is teetotal which in our experience is a rarity indeed, but he knew a good beer. He was drinking a Russian concoction called kvas - made from fermented rye bread, looks like cola and is considered non alcoholic. After having a taste we quickly went back to the beer to wash down the shashlik. I think kvas is an acquired taste to say the least.

Back to work Thusday, Friday & Saturday with another day off Sunday!