Khavarovsk to Blagoveshchensk

Left Khavarovsk for the 700Km. trip to Blagoveshchensk, a city of 210,000 on the Amur river, which forms the border with China. The road was 70-80 % paved, and where paved was excellent. The countryside, very unpopulated, is mostly heavily forested with Larch and Birch. We saw no wildlife. Lots of mosquitoes and horseflies. The temperature during the day was a very humid 35-40 degrees centigrade. Good to be on the bike.

At a stop at a village near Blagveshchensk. Anytime we stopped near a populated area, we were soon surrounded by friendly curious people.

Near "Blago" and the Amur River border with China. Rich soil and agriculture.

Johny on the spot on "Blago" waterfront and the always present washroom attendant.

Chinese city of Heihe, across the Amur from "Blago".

Above, Valadya Boldygin, husband of Vera Petrovna. We stayed 6 days with them and their family in "Blago". Dimitri, one of their sons, lives in Australia, and is a friend of Simon and Monica. We were treated like kings and ate way too much. Incredible hospitality

Heihe, across the river from Blago .

Above, from left to right, Vera Petrovna, Anastasia (Alexi's girlfriend), Alexi, Vera and Valadya's youngest son. We are at a Chinese restaurant on our last night in "Blago".

Goodbyes on leaving.

A Russian hug coming from V.P..

We were all able to do an oil change. Simon, Monica and Cain picked up new tires sent to this address in "Blago"

We left to cover the 1700 Kms. west to Chita.

A- Khavarovsk, B-Blagoveshchensk. 686 kms..