A few weekends ago we spent the weekend at Terelj at our favourite ger camp. A storm was predicted, but we figured that the weather couldn't be as bad as it was when we stayed out there in March so we would tough it out in our gers if it got really cold over night. Three other families came, so we basically took over the ger camp. There was no snow left around the camp, but in the hills in places it was still quite deep. One of our friends marched us up and down mountains in the Saturday afternoon (I didn't carry my camera as it was a big mountain - which was a bit silly but I was tired!). On the Sunday our friend lead us again on a nice hike. This time I did lug the big camera with me. Remember you can click on the pictures for a big version.
We were off to see the Temple/Prayer Centre on the other side of a few mountains from the ger camp. Our walk took us up a smallish mountain and down into the next valley. Alesia decided to come with us, which was a big decision, as the walk was at least an hour there and an hour back.
Although spring hadn't arrived yet the mountains were still beautiful in a stark, brown way.
We turned a corner and got the first view of the temple. I have been to the ger camp many times, but didn't know exactly where the temple was so it was nice to find it. In summer it will be a pretty view through all these trees. Note that after climbing over one small mountain and down around a valley we almost have to climb up another mountain to reach the temple.
While walking the wind was bitter and it even started to snow, but just as we started the climb up to the temple the sun came out, highlighting these rock paintings.
The sun hung around long enough for us to get up all these stairs and have a nice sit to admire the view at the top. For some reason the caretaker thinks that visitors need more atmosphere than the wind and the view, so was blaring monk chants out a loudspeaker. They were atmospheric from about a kilometre away, anyway we still enjoyed the view.
Terence and Debbie had come out with us for the weekend (Debbie was in shock at the weather, she is inside the Temple). I loaned Debbie my warm coat so I was wearing my spring coat with gloves, neck tube and a beanie (the one that makes me look like a medieval soldier as it comes down over my ears, but it works!)
We sat and contemplated the view....a lovely place to pray. Those big grey clouds are another snow storm on its way - the walk back was snowy and windy, but Alesia did really well.
