We were up early for stage 2. It was good timing because we have seen a lot of wildlife.
The most memorable beast we saw today was a dead one. A hunter on horseback was hauling a massive bison. The cart had 3-meter diameter wheels and was 3 meters wide. The hunter was going to a radial station of stop number 1. The cart’s girth took up much of the trail, but the hunter was kind enough to pull over into the grass and let us by.
Every now and then, we spotted birds in the river – ducks and demoiselle cranes; and mammals in the grass – a corsac fox and wild horses.
We didn’t stop for a pack of wolves, though. They were spookily following us. Wolves are not known to attack groups of people. It was a spooky feeling, nevertheless.
When the river started bending to the north, we set up camp. Wanting to enjoy being with the river as long as possible, we made a fire on rocks in the water.
It’s Tong’s turn to keep a lookout. He has Jack to keep him company.
Another great stage.