Driving on unpaved road

Before getting underway this morning we were passed by a number of mini-vans returning from the hot springs with their load of tourists. We waved a good morning greeting. Once underway we traveled at our now customery 10-15 mph over the steppes trying to find the flatest track as the truck (and Nina) do not seem to like steep side-hills.

We pulled up in front of the Duut Resort and within 3 minutes a young man came out to escort us into the establishment. At first it seemed that noone spoke English but eventually we were presented to a young Philippino man doing seasonal work at the resort. He organized coffee for one, the use of the showers and their hot pool. We spent an enjoyable hour lazying in and around the pool before dragging ourselves away. We learned from our young host that during July and August Mongols are the most common guests and that they spend more money on accomodation, food and drink than foreign tourists.

Then it was time to head back to the main road. We had a couple of encounters with locals on our return journey. A man leading the most enormous animal pulling a cart with two smiling and enthusiastic children. And when we stopped for a snack in a saddle above a lake (and small ger camp) a young boy of perhaps 9 years rode up to see us. At first a little hesitant he quickly relaxed and accepted our offer of food and drink.

Roads

I was struck both yesterday and today during this side trip to the hot springs by our Garmin GPS telling us that we were Driving on unpaved road. Unpaved roads? - sometimes I could barely find a track at all let alone a road. But I guess it is all in ones definition of a road. For these wheel marks in the steppes certainly are frequently/commonly used roads for the people that live here. I have included a selection of photos (below) of the "unpaved road".