image of Lao Tzu mural in Vancouver, by Richard Eriksson https://www.flickr.com/photos/sillygwailo/

The ancient masters were subtle, mysterious, profound, responsive.

The depth of their knowledge is unfathomable.

it is unfathomable,
All we can do is describe their appearance.
Watchful, like men crossing a winter stream.
Alert, like men aware of danger.
Courteous, like visiting guests.
Yielding, like ice about to melt.

Source: The Complete Tao Te Ching Translated by Gia-Fu Feng (馮家福 Feng Jia-fu, 1919–1985) and Jane English, chapter 15

We have found a guide, an old sage. He is taking us to the coastline along the Sea of Okhotsk. We will get off on stop 3 of the Siberian White Line, just before the coast.