G e o_s y n_c h r o n i_c i t y

The Elusive Ushba, Svaneti, June 2007

In the 2.5 weeks of this last trip to Svaneti, the weather was fairly cloudy much of the time. It kept things cool for the walk, which was useful; and made for some very atmospheric photography. But it also meant that Mt Ushba was hidden most of the time; we saw her well only in Etseri, before the walk started, and again here, as it was ending.

This was the last morning of the walk, and our only camping day, on the pass between Ipari and Mestia, spectacular views from both sides. The little spring-fed lake is about 5 minutes' walk from where the tent was pitched, both tent and lake away from view of the roads. I had gone to get water for cooking, but I hurried back to the camp to fetch my camera when I realised that Ushba had come into view (the twin peaks just right of centre). As well as shooting film, I used my cellphone's little 2 MPixel camera, so this again is a sneak preview of better things to come.