Lake Qamistibas

IqStill no place for me to hook up my computer out here but I have stumbled across a very nice spot.

I met a nice Swiss couple I'm not sure how many days ago now and they told me about this lake that I should visit on the road to Aral.

I found it yesterday after a short 50km ride from Jangaqazali. It's called Qamistibas Lake about 90km from Aral.

It's been a welcome relief to just come here and be able to swim in the beautifully clean lake.

I'm at a kind of campsite which has a number of yurts which are hired out to holidaymakers from nearby cities.

The only problem of being here is my novelty factor. Despite the fact that my Russian is limited to about 20 words (ten of which are 1 to 10) and couple of useless sentences people still want to converse with me.

Nighttime isn't the most peaceful here as Kazaks seem to come to life after 11. I was woken this morning at around 2 by a group of guys playing football obviously aided by large quantities of alcohol.

Because I'm ahead of schedule I've decided to stay here today and simply soak up some sun and swim.

The owner has agreed for me to stay which also means I don't have to spend any cash, always a good thing. Who knows I may stay another day.

Being by the side of a lake certainly beats the quite frankly tedious nature of riding through this semi-desert.

It's a little tough on the bike these days having to contend with the bad roads, extreme heat and endless wilderness all around.

The distances between places where one can stock up on food and water are also increasing. Sometimes it can be 90km between refueling stops not a lot of fun when most of the liquid you have has been heated by the sun.

Well as I said I've been unable to update daily progress but I hope to do so at a later date and of course pictures.

Right off for another dip in the lake.