Sunset over the Black Sea, after a day of climbing amongst the Ancient Caucasian trees and limestone formations. Took this photo from the dining room!A very guided tour, other than a $300 visa....straight to a strip mall. Quite an experience...only wanted to deal with local currency even though we all were told euros were fine. The people very wary with only a couple of smiles...children and some teens. The river runs from the Caucasus to the Black Sea. Along this area is a strolling park with fountains and a small playland.
Ancient Caucaian Trees 1.8 million years ago, this reserve, about 300 metres, was under the ocean. Along the walkway was a maze of sedimentary layering about 5 metres high, turning at right angles through the ancient forest. Excretions from sea life in the layering. Amazing to walk amongst this. Wonderful photos for my collection of 'pathways and portals' The trees are mainly boxwood and yew which is part of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve.
It began to thunder, lightning and gently rain. Quite a magical experience and I mainly walked alone as the group hurried ahead of me. I loved the forest smells and also being alone. Very, very slippery on the limestone underfoot...had to hang on to railings and roots, etc. Actually quite the endurance test for me, with my bad cough, sinus infection. From this it turned into bronchitis and pleursy. Am taking medication and getting more rest and sleep. Hah...the trouble with group tours is that you cannot go your own pace. No indication either that this was to be such a climb but I am very, very happy that I saw this and got such amazing photos!
Ancient Caucaian Trees 1.8 million years ago, this reserve, about 300 metres, was under the ocean. Along the walkway was a maze of sedimentary layering about 5 metres high, turning at right angles through the ancient forest. Excretions from sea life in the layering. Amazing to walk amongst this. Wonderful photos for my collection of 'pathways and portals' The trees are mainly boxwood and yew which is part of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve.
It began to thunder, lightning and gently rain. Quite a magical experience and I mainly walked alone as the group hurried ahead of me. I loved the forest smells and also being alone. Very, very slippery on the limestone underfoot...had to hang on to railings and roots, etc. Actually quite the endurance test for me, with my bad cough, sinus infection. From this it turned into bronchitis and pleursy. Am taking medication and getting more rest and sleep. Hah...the trouble with group tours is that you cannot go your own pace. No indication either that this was to be such a climb but I am very, very happy that I saw this and got such amazing photos!
It is really too bad that you couldn't have a better experience in Russia. This is the one place that I really had on my mind. I would LOVE to go to Russia! Maybe that is my Russian roots speaking out! It sounds like what they offered was just one big tourist trap. In the future you may want to do a couple week tour so you can get a more in-depth experience.
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