A ride in a Soviet Jeep

There was a waterfall that Yusif wanted me to see. When we got to the base of the mountain we hired a jeep to take us to the waterfall. Yusif said "Now you can say you have ridden in a military vehicle produced by the Soviets"

After the cold war ended some enterprising men bought up the old military jeeps

and now some are used to take lazy Americans up the mountain!

The waterfall that we took our lives in our hands to view.

Many people drove part way up or hiked the whole way - what amazed me the most was that, as Americans we have an "outfit" for everything. Gym shorts, tennis shoes and t-shirts for a treck like this. Not so with our friends on the other side of the globe. They just go!

Even in a dress and good shoes  they hike.

I loved this one - the little girl got down the hill - layed on a rock and

sucked her thumb - she had enough!

Lots and lots of people going all the way up

This is Ayten's cousin who lives in the village we visited. The day we went on this adventure I said to Yusif "Let's bring Vergood (the little boy) with us, he probably doesn't get to go many places." Yusif didn't seem to pleased with this idea so I said the same thing to Sardar he said "I am not opposed." So we brought him - he was a delight to have on the trip. So helpful and kind and always smiling.

Farhod, Manzar and Javi

Aytena and Yusif making it safely back down with their precious cargo.

A picture of our driver - the man never said a word nor cracked a smile. 

Me thinks he was a left over for the Soviet days!