Back in the USSR - ehm Russia
Slowish start for 150 km to Semey. Got stopped at police check point going into and going out. Then continued to the border. Very strange after 600 miles of steppe and then 40 miles before the border you suddenly have pine forest. Reminded me a bit of California. Sandy ground and forest….
Weather was sunny and pretty warm. The Kazakhstan bit at the border was no issue. Had to open my luggage boxes for the first time but just superficial inspection. Was sweating like a pig with all the gear on and all the on and off the bike. On the Russian side no real issue either except that it took ages to get the customs stuff sorted. Also had declared my travelers checks which caused some puzzled faces and I had to show them what they were.
So back in Russia and from the border on the sky was overcast which was strange looking in my mirror I could see the Kazakh side bathed in sunshine. So drove into Rospelikha to get money but didn’t want to stay there. Drove for a bit and found a camp spot. Taking my chances with the weather and cowboy camping again. Watching a thunderstorm drifting by in the distance. Got a few drops of rain but still could not be arsed to put up a tent.
Day 44
29. May 2009
Start: Georgievkay, Kazakhstan
End: near Rospelikha, Russia
Miles today: 168
Miles total: 7214
Odometer: 13468
Bike Dropped: 2
Speeding Tickets: 1