Stepansminda and Daryal Gorge

Saturday 01.06.2024. Day 7 of 13.

June began with wet weather. In the morning our destination was the Daryal Gorge. We drove along the Tarek River towards the north and the Russian border. Before that we stopped at a lookout point. Above the picturesque mountain world, partly gloomy, partly sunny and mild green. Clouds and peaks in the fog. At some point a truck had crashed into this rocky, steep corner. The debris made us shudder. Bearded vultures circle confidently and elegantly above. Suddenly there was a commotion in the tour group - a bear!! 16 binoculars aimed at a steep grassy slope on the other side of the narrow valley. And indeed there was a stately light brown bear romping around there. Everyone followed the discovery in fascination. Telephoto lenses were aimed. Everyone was happy! The monastery down the valley a few hundred meters from the Russian border. We were amazed by the heavy traffic, including German trucks. The area near the border is gloomy, and not just because of the weather. Back at the hotel, after a rain shower, we decide to climb up the mountain with the chapel. The view is clear, with a band of fog above. An ancient watchtower shows the way up. A variety of flowers, including the bluebells, which according to Asmus come from here. A vulture carries its prey over us. When we reach the top at 2200 m, we see the old Trinity Chapel from the 14th century with its rich ornamentation. A wedding party poses for photos. The ladies are wearing elegant high-heeled shoes and chic dresses. The bride smiles happily over her probably 50 petticoats. The road goes all the way up here and the wedding party drives back over the mountain ridge honking. We are also happy because of the wonderful view of the green mountains.