The majority of our time on Olkhon Island was spent inside an army green, clunky, archaic van roaming the terrain.

After our trip to get out to the island, we were accustomed to the bumpy jostle of driving on comically unkept dirt roads.  It simply became entertainment – seeing everyone thrown around the van.

In light of the lack of paved roads, getting around was a slow, sometimes tedious process.  But having good company helped pass the time.

The landscape was barren, empty and quiet.

Yet, I found the expanses of gold calming and similar to staring at fire; I couldn’t look away.

Between pockets of yellow, soft-pine tree groves and wild horses wandering the flatlands, the island found ways to surprise us.

And then of course, there was the lake.

Baikal was enormous and still.

At nearly 400 miles long and 50 miles wide, it appeared endless.

I was surprised to learn that as the world’s deepest lake, it will one day become the next ocean, splitting the Eurasian continent in two.

Before departing Nikita’s for the day, I had been given a giant red marshmallow jacket (upon observing the coat I intended to wear out on the island, I was told simply, “this is not possible” and handed the red coat).

While I looked ridiculous – using my scarf to tie the thing closed due to a broken zipper – I wasn’t cold at all.  Which was a feat as it was freezing outside.

A truth of Russia seemed to be that sun ≠ warmth (the sand was actually frozen!).

The northern cape of Olkhon was unreal and felt like the end of the world.

That place, the northern-most tip of the island, is one of the five Shamanistic centers of energy in the world and as such is deeply spiritual place.

Its marked by a prayer pole where visitors leave offerings ranging from coins to cigarettes to ribbons.

All I had with me to contribute was a Lipton water flavor packet.

After less than a day on the island, Baikal easily became one of my favorite places in Russia!

For more Photo Friday, Delicious Baby is the spot.