Lake Issyk Kul, saved from the police

We got an early start this morning in order to avoid the the traffic and the police as we headed east out of Bishkek towards famous Lake Issy Kul. The plan largely worked and within 40 minutes from the hotel we were out of the city and on highway A365. We did not entirely avoid the police as we passed a number of radar traps and random stop but today we did not seem to be on anyones menu.

Not long into our drive we discovered that the truck air conditioner seems to have ceased working; just as we enter the heat of August. Thoough the good news is that the next 3 weeks should be at altitude and maybe that will moderate the heat. In addition later in the morning I noticed that the control panel lights that indicate use of the auxiliary headlights was also now illumunated whether or not I had the auxiliary headlights turned on. As the day progressed I noticed that these indicator lights seems to come on and go off somewhat at random. So I suspect a short circuit of some form. I started wondering whether the indicator lights and the air con are all related to the wire loom and a/c hoses being damaged on the right hand side front shock absorber tower. That some thing made the a/c malfunction when I first picked up the truck.

The drive to the lake was pleasant, generally good roads, some nice low land farming country and then a spectacular gorge and then the lake itself. Initially the road along the north of the lake is some distance from the water and it was not clear how we could get to the shore. But at the town on XXXX we found a gravel track that other had used and joined a number of family groups scattered along the shore.

Eventually the men from one of the neighbouring families came over to inspect the truck and generally chat. With the aid of sign language and my iPhone translation app we discussed many things. Amongst these things was a warning that we were parked too close to the water and that the police would eventually come by and a fine of $200 would apply. So I moved the truck immediately. Less than 1/2 hour later the poice did indeed come past and appeared to take fines from the 3 or 4 other vehicles that were unfortunately too close. Thanks to the warning we were ok.