Today drive was more of the same through large areas of black soil farming.
The golden corridor title arose from the autumn coloured trees on both sides of the road, golden fields of maize waiting for harvest and fields of harvested wheat stubble.
Some of the towns we pass by on our travels have beautiful churches with the lovely onion domes. I have not been able to get a good picture yet sorry.
Every morning getting into the car is a big dressing ritual, as we need many layers on for the 1C temperature and the wind chill factor of driving a semi-open car. As soon as you pull up you need to start removing a layer so you don’t melt with out the wind chill.
There has been literally hundreds of truck full of bulk potatoes being transported somewhere, most likely of to the vodka factories for Russia’s favourite drink.
Lunch was in the city of Orel today and Penny drew the largest crowd so far in Russia. One of the boys has since posted a comment on the Blog.
The over night stop in Bryansk is our last night in Russia as tomorrow we move on to Gomel in Belarus.
I’m sorry that today’s blog is short but with it so much the same as the previous day I’m struggling to find stuff to write about.
Penny
Golden corridors indeed, Max well done you are showing us some magnificent scenery and beautifully photographed. Clever boy! With the amazing blue sky it is difficult to imagine the chill factor. My hubby and I are off on holiday on the 16th Oct so I will possibly mis your final Blogs. Regards Penny
Max Stephenson
we arrive in helsinki on the 13th just before you depart on you trip
Ruth Palsson
Love the fashions!
Max Stephenson
all in keeping warm Ruth
Louise
Wow – you’ve come a long way! I can’t believe how close to the end of your journey you now are. I’m surprised at how cold it is already where you are – we have been having a really warm early Autumn – due to break for more typical mixed weather from tomorrow. Is the food getting better as you travel further west/north? There have been times when I got the impression that you weren’t keeping much down… and that it wasn’t that appealing in the first place.
Carry on making great progress!
Max Stephenson
Hi Louise,
The food is a lot better and getting better by the day. In the middle of rRussia we don’t the nice warm ocean current that England gets.
I,m 12 kgs lighter then when you last saw me. that nearly 2 stone in UK terms. Only 8 days to Helsinki.
Norton
Just catching up on the blogs after a holiday in Turkey – light off-roading in the Taurus Mountains for one day – nothing like your trip! But spectacular scenery.
Really look forward to the blogs and the photos, hope you have some time in St Petersburg, lots to see there (if its on your route?).
Good luck for the rest of the trip.
Max Stephenson
yes we have 2 days in St Petersburg Norton
Penny
Perfect, “thank you” Max I would hate to miss your triumphant arrival in Helsinki. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Penny might lead the Cavalcade into the city. As the most senior and possibly superior Lady on the trip it would be rather magnificent for her to show off her endurance. Clever girl and brilliant team.
Regards Penny
Charlie and Nellie
Max. We are loving the blog. James set such a standard but you have equalled it with your description. I feel as if we are there with you (perhaps in your rear view mirror!) Keep it going and well done Penny.