Some Roads Less Travelled

We had the opportunity to go out into the "Countryside" last weekend.  In a remote spot we visited with one of the potential members of the "Virtual Branch".  Because Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country in the world, there are members of the Church in many far away places.  They are trying to get a "Virtual Branch" started.  It works by having the people call into a central location and then conduct Sacrament Meeting over the phone.














  On one occasion a herder called in and when they took the roll, he reported at his location, (out on a hillside somewhere),

 there was one person and 300 sheep!

We had an excellent driver with an old Russian Van.  It was "OFF ROADING" to the maximum!  He managed to pull a group of German Tourists out of the mud in a very far away place.  Then just a few kilometers later they pushed out a big family in a stuck van and  got them on their way.

Now this is one way to make a road "less travelled"!
It is just about ready for a coat of asphalt and they
didn't want anyone to drive on it!!

The traffic in Ulaanbaatar is unbelievable but they are working on many roads so things should improve!

















We went on some really interesting roads (paved, trails, tracks, rivers, gullies!!).  When driving they just choose which one looks the best and then go for it!!  It sure is a good idea to have a driver from the area so they have an idea which trail to take at the junctions!

The roads are not just used by cars and vans, but
the drivers must be constantly watching for others
crossing as well.  They just lay on their horns and
never seem to hit an animal!!

Needless to say, we have a lot of pictures!!


 Mongolia is a
 "National Geographic" paradise!!




The people, the scenery, the animals and the history - - -

Typical Mongolian cowboys - they have a different way of "roping"

Did not know that camels shed in the late spring

Some of the many Stupas

The "Ger Girl" getting our fire ready -
using several kinds of Dung
It burned well and didn't smell too much!!

Ger doors seem to always be Orange and face South.










We got to visit another hospital, this time in Bulgan.  It was very clean and the Head of Internal Medicine was a pleasant and knowledgeable lady.  We felt the missionaries would be well treated there.  Cal even made a house call to the missionaries in Darkhan, and visited 6 others in Erdenet.  Another Senior Couple travelled with us, the Farmer's.  They are responsible for Family History so had teaching sessions and helped members in both Bulgan and Erdenet.  The Mongolian people are very excited about working on their family history.  All in all, it was a very productive weekend.

Life here is good and All is Well