The road trip was long (800 kms plus). The trucking company told us that the trip would take 14 hours. I was dreading this concept. As we started out the driver was not going fast (about 70 km/h), we were in for a long day.
The first stop after our 6 am departure was at 8 am. Monty and I ate sandwiches for breakfast and the driver had his obligatory caffeine while filling the truck up on propane.
We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of a truck stop on this Siberian highway. The little shack is an outhouse, but a new full size toilet block is under construction.
Most of the highway was single lane, but coming in to Kemerovo for a short ways it opened up to freeway quality. I sure hope that the roads continue to improve in the future. Apart from a few bumpy patches the highway was actually pleasantly smooth. Unfortunately our total stops for the whole day were no more than 40 minutes. We were tired and developed a number of pains and numb limbs by the time we arrived. The driver turned around and drove straight back again!
While agriculture suffered a big beating after communism, there are still some signs of productivity along the highway.
Our destination at last.
Five people were waiting to help us. After a long day I was able to stand outside on the streeet to watch the things while the others took them all inside. The help was greatly appreciated.
1 comment:
spectacular scenery, what a great road trip. I've heard the theory and I think there is something in it, that good roads are essential for a thriving society and economy and that it should be a top priority for Russia.
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