We
did some long awaited jobs as the air was nice and cool for a change.
We blew out the air filter which had half a tree in it and lots of
dust and also removed the front seat (which required the cab tilted)
and replaced the rubber under seat. There were a few people around
but one old guy came and spoke to john and invited us to tea. John
accepted. Time first for some more things then packed up.
John noticed the
guy by the bridge so we walked over. He led us back to his home. One
of the Bee trailers. So bees on the outside for ¾ the length and
living space inside…. For parents and 2 young boys.
It
was not just tea the wife had cooked us a Palov (pilauf). Another guy
joined us and we ate on the “veranda” while the wife and kids ate
inside. A nice meal with a very genuinely friendly host and hostess. 
We had a great chat to the wife who told us all sorts and we think we
understood some of it.
We
then parted company and we headed back to civilization.
Back
in Denov the route I had planned went down the market street which
was fascinating but very busy. I jumped out and bought some more fruit
apricots 2 different types and some nectarines. Arriving back at the
vehicle john was surrounded outside the maps with 20 men - yes all men…
Moving
on a bit, I jumped out for bread., then we escaped the bustle…
Heading
back west on yellow to rejoin the main road between Bukhara and
Termez. The road was reasonably good.
Just
before the main road we turned off on a white going through a village
then a small canyon. We then turned off on what our map indicated was
a track and yes there was a bulldozed track but I don't think it had
ever seen a car only donkeys.We got a good way up then found a nice spot for the night.
180km
Campsite