After lunch we walked further along the valley.

This camel didn’t seem at all keen to walk further with our packs.

Getting a bite to eat from the grasses was a better prospect.

The first part of our afternoon walk… leaving the snow behind!

One of our nomads riding his horse and leading a couple of camels

Lichens on rocks.

Larch trees along the banks of the Yamaat River.

Paul and Robyn, two of our accomplished riders, follow the river.

There were very few birds about but we did see a magpie or two…

the sheen of their feathers luminous in the sunshine.

Our track crossed the Yamaat River a couple of times.

That’s Tim making his way across the river, rock hopping, stone by stone.

It’s always a good idea to look back to see where you’ve come from-

it’s usually worth the effort.

At one of the crossings, hidden behind the main river, we found a pond.

It rewarded a closer look.

Lovely reflections in the absolutely still water.

Just magic

 …and again

Fallen larch needles trapped in the rocks at the edge of the pond.

A hillside of all but bare larch trees in the snow.

 We were walking in a conservation area so some large larch trees survived being cut down.

Deep in thought, watching each step, enjoying the experience.

The richness in colour of the landscape was intensified as the sun dipped low in the sky.

A lonely buttercup (Ranunculus sp.), having shed its petals, now sets about producing plenty of seed for next spring.

Our track followed ever further along the river.

Our camping spot for the night was still not yet in sight.

Eventually, we made camp in a larch forest. It was still very cold with a light spread of snow on the surrounding hills… and I thought we’d finished with snow! Fortunately there was no snow beside the river where we pitched our tents. While some of the crew collected wood for a camp fire, we enjoyed some biscuits, cheese and spreads.  Dinner followed later.

There was more walking to be done on the morrow!

David

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