Monday 12th May Day 10

We are now on a sparsely populated area with possibly 60 or 70 miles between settlements. The forest is dense and it's easy to believe you may see a bear here!

Every  6 or 7 miles there is a small cabin with a rough cut timber table outside. At first I thought it was a Russian version of Centre Parcs but can now see they are bases for the track maintenance gangs. These gangs of about 8 people seem to be organised like a military expedition each with their heavy duty army style truck. I have to say most of the track seems well maintained with all equipment painted up and marked, in stark contrast to the state of some of the towns. (Fly tipping is awful in Russia)  Still it would be a economic disaster I suspect if a derailment caused the line to be closed even for a day.

Turned dull with drizzle. After crossing the Zeya river we were in a wheat growing area. Apparently Ukranians came here some while back and cultivated the area. We went through a little station called Ukrana presumably after the Ukranians presence.
Then The Rossiya pulled up at Belorgorski for an half hour stop. Hive of activity on this wet Monday evening. Loco change and top up the water tanks. The platform sellers were selling eggs and buns but they didn't look too appetising. So I got off to buy some cheese from a store on the next platform. I said in my best Russian "may I have some cheese please" ( eckerchoo sir perjalster)but the woman obviously couldn't speak Russian as she gave me a box of sugar cubes and a quarter of a pound of Russian tea. Never mind they will come in.

 

The Rossiya has speeded up again this afternoon and at Belorgorski we overtook a slower moving long distance train and on into the Armur region of Siberia.

Last night tonight. Time is still confusing both of us but only about 20 hours (only about 20 hours! Before this week that would have seemed a massive time!)before we get off now. It's been a hell of a train ride.

Using the Samovar to get an evening drink