Through
a few short tunnels along the side of the dam.
In
these old towns up this valley the older houses have a special
fortified tower for protection from marauders I guess.
Stopping in at Mestia for lunch, having a local meat pie, a bean stew
and a local sausage washed down with some good Georgian wine.
They
had this neat brazier on the veranda.
Mt
Ushba(?) in the distance showing how rough and rugged the mountains
are. It is within a couple of km of the Russian border.
The
old and older at rest one looks retired
Wonderful
road, in good condition and no other traffic.
Following
up the river.
The last small town before the pass supposed to be the highest all year round village in Europe. Although we are not sure Georgia is in Europe.
Arriving
at the pass. Not much snow. Found a camp as the sun was setting with
a view of the mountains.