We descended into a valley and found the only shade we’d seen all day. It was time for lunch so we pulled up next to a couple of Russian vans. Hot, tired and dusty. The vans are everywhere in Russia, always the same shade of grey, purposeful looking but kind of cute too. I want one!

There were some people having lunch so we kept our distance, but they called us over for a chat. A German tour group were having a superb pasta dish, would we like to join them? It was very kind and soon we were tucking in, taking about their trip. A three week tour of Mongolia, a group of friends who often go away together.

They were interested in what we’re doing, one of them had done the same by bicycle many years ago! It was just what we needed before pressing on. Thank you!