Great Journey 🏍 Day 352
The Georgian Army Road leads over the main ridge of the Great Caucasus (aha, mountains not only have peaks, but also ridges) and we stop at the Cross Pass. Up here at 2379 m, the wind is quite strong, but we don't have to sweat.
Before the pass, however, we pass a Soviet architectural "beauty". The Monument to Georgian-Russian Friendship. However, friendship was not seen as such by both sides. On the occasion of the bicentenary of the Treaty of Georgiyevsk "...the Soviet Union built a monumental memorial at a place where - depending on one's point of view - connection or subjugation has been blasted into rock: directly above the steepest serpentines of the Georgian Army Road...". (Source: FAZ)
A lively trade in souvenirs has established itself up here. Wooden thimbles and little dust legs, fur hats against cold ears and felt slippers for warm feet.
We treat ourselves to a freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, which is not only very expensive but also extremely sour. But, as we will be hiking a lot in the next few days, we see it as an investment in our healthy future: vitamins will be necessary!
And then we look around: the mountains are fabulous, the monument - let's say - interesting, the view from the monument-adorned platform simply stunning.
Here we feel we have made the right decision: to roam for days through the great Caucasus. To hike to Georgia's landmark, the Trinity Church in Stepanzminda. To be enchanted by the starry sky at night. And lots of walking. So, up on the steed and into the next valley, where hopefully a cosy bed with a brilliant view awaits us. After some sightseeing, we find what we are looking for and know: we will stay here a few days longer!
#GudauriViewPoint #SignofFriendship
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Dear ones, so wonderful, greetings from your Sonja