Thursday evening August 23. Light rain earlier.
The train snaked its way along the lake shore for a few hours in drizzling rain, then stopped at 6:00. The train crew lugged supplies down to an area that had been set up by locals: long serving tables and tables for samovars, BBQ, and desserts etc. The train set up the drinks tables and the party was underway.
Rain had by now stopped. First was the dip in the lake by pilgrims set on this ritual no matter the weather and how cold the water is. It is actually like a Mini-Mecca for Russians for sure and many Western Europeans. To Fellette and I it was another big lake.
Vodka and Lake Bakail go together it seems. I was definitely out of order with a white wine when Fellette and I did our mini dip. That water temperature was not that bad actually.
By then the BBQ was set up and the lines formed and the eating commenced. [The drinking had long ago commenced]. The passengers were spread out on the set up benches; leaning on the train; on the lake bank and just standing, talking and having a very good time generally speaking.
The atmosphere was unlike anything we have ever seen anywhere in our life or travels. My prose and pictures cannot possibly convey this evening and its atmosphere, but I tried…
We later made our way back to our cozy cabin just before dark, leaving the party lovers to finish off their wonderful day at Lake Baikal.The train is scheduled to stay here for another two hours.
Some have been dreaming of doing this all their life.
Other chose to observe the madness.
Us folks without bathing suits did what we could...
The train servers.
The train drinks man.
The two on the left are our servers in our dining car.
An old steam train rusting away at the site.
On the way back to our cabin.
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