Good internet connection, so we did a few jobs then headed east along
the lake aiming for the Altyn Eel National park.
We pulled two separate
cars out of the sand at a very popular bathing area, then continued.
We traveled in some soft sand
and the tires performed for us. They were a little low about 36psi so had lots
in reserve.
We are
not sure which road is the main road into the park. Drove on one dirt
road following the power-poles to enter the park on the Western
boundary. Came across a gate to the park and discovered that we could not enter as one needs a ticket from Almaty some 300km south. Very disappointing
so headed back out the same road.
The Graves/tombstones are becoming very large and ornate.
We
then eyed off the Saresuj-Atyray desert which is south of Lake Balkhash thinking to see some sand
dunes.
The service ramps on the road sides are now big enough for us.
We
made it most of the way to Taldykergan then headed out on the yellow
which ran parallel to the highway, probably the old one. A much better
road surface and very little traffic.
A nice looking hillock made a wonderful camp. with views down down into the valleys. A very quiet camp.