Sairme - Alhaktsikhe, 1/X; 7th September - From Aqtau

Sairme - Alhaktsikhe, 1/X; 7th September

7th September

After a serving of soaked overnight oats we set off for the pass.

Hotel we stayed at. About 30 euro, very comfortable

One of the stations for filling up with mineral water of Sairme

The numbers are measurements -- 250 = 250ml etc. The water is free.

2km into the climb a dog decided he wanted to hang out with us. He was clean and well groomed, so I wondered if he had an owner who let him out the house for days at a time like Salome’s family did.

We gave him almost no attention but still he decided to follow. At one point he met two other strays, and started playing with them. We thought we’d lost him, but after about 10 minutes he caught up with his and continued on our journey.

Farm animals coming down to graze for the day

It was about 2km from the pass that we encountered a pair of aggressive farm dogs, who were employed to protect the farmers pigs. These dogs were not going to let our dog pass, and barked and snarled keeping him at bay.

This is the pig pen the two farm dogs were guarding, who warded off 'our' dog

We continued cycling, as this would have been a suitable point to part ways — about 10km away from where he met us, not so far to get back.

About 700m past the farm, I turned to see that the dog was trying to follow us by trying to bypass the farm via the hillside, about 5 metre below the path. But the farm dog had noticed and was warding him off. It’s amazing how dogs want company, and I felt a twinge of sadness knowing we would not see him again.

After taking pictures at the top, we enjoyed a bumpy ride down to the bottom.

We ate at a small restaurant by the river. I was so hungry from climbing the pass that I ordered a bit too much, but the food was delicious.

Kachapuri, mushroom soup, french fries, walnut paste wrapped in sliced aubergine. The food in Georgia has been delicious — rich in butter, cream, eggs and bread.

We followed the river upstream, where cars cannot pass and found an OK spot not too far from the river for a quick splash wash from the small stream. After a couple of brilliant campspots since Salome’s house with swimming spots this felt like a bit of a downgrade.

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