14-Jun-2004 -- Finally we had to work for a confluence point! A group of five of us were on our way from Ulaanbaatar to visit farms in the northern aimag (region) of Hovsgol and organise a seminar in Erdenet. We left early on Sunday so that we could visit 49°N 105°E. That evening we arrived 6 km south of the CP – just off the main “road” to Hovsgol and made camp.

The next morning after admiring the view from the campsite, three of us set off due north on the 12 km round trip to the CP.

The forest was quite easy walking although the undergrowth was wet following heavy rain. The map small scale map gives little indication of terrain so we were happy to find that once we were over the first hill we could follow a rough track headed in roughly the right direction for most of the way. Eventually we had to abandon the track and climb 200 metres up the hillside to the confluence point.

The round trip took 4 hours. The carpets of wild flowers were magnificent and I was happy that one of my photos of this orchid was in focus. Time to jump in the jeep and drive for 7 hours for our farm visit – unfortunately the route is not near any more confluences!