I had the feeling that the boat was the last semblance of civilization. After Yeniseysk things become very isolated. The villages are only accessible by boat and helicopter in the Summer and by Winter road in the Winter. The Winter road takes a long time- 5 days from Verkhnimbatsk to Yeniseysk (so 29 hours is quite fast!).
Even on June 9th the last of the ice was still melting as we headed further and further north into the depths of Siberia. The weather was warm enough, but I was surprised to see this ice.
As I said, this boat was the last remnant of civilization. I was even able to take a shower, something which is not possible on the train. The restaurant was impressive. We ate one meal there. The rest was cheese and sausage in our berth.
Our blooming friendship.
There are some very isolated villages along the Yenisey River. It is a different world up there. The boat comes through only every few days in the Summer time, and stops for about ten minutes. The locals still peddle their wares, even if for a very short time.
It was amazing to simply stand on the deck and take in the silence of the north. Siberia is vast and we were sinking into the depths of nowhere. This was quite a concept to grasp. Taking the boat helped this. A plane flight does not give the same perspective on distances and isolation. I enjoyed listening to the birds singing and wondering if they were some of the birds who migrate to Australia to escape the Siberian Winter.
Yura is from the town of Baikit, on the Lower Tunguska River. This is the mouth of the Lower Tunguska, flowing into the Yenisey River.
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