Nature awakens
N 51°39'155'' E 099°21'977''
Day: 283
Sunrise:
05:51
Sunset:
20:47
Total kilometers:
1361
Soil condition:
Ice, snow
Temperature – Day (maximum):
16°C
Temperature – day (minimum):
6°C
Temperature – Night:
minus 8°C
Latitude:
51°39’155”
Longitude:
099°21’977”
Maximum height:
1858 m above sea level
Today is the first warm day since mid-October last year, almost eight months ago, and it’s 16°C. I can hardly believe it and enjoy the rays of sunshine that peek through the clouds from time to time. I sit in my awning and look up at the tipis, which stretch their crossed tent poles into the sky. Suddenly I hear the low buzzing of a fat fly. I would never have thought that I would find this sound pleasant for once in my life. My attention is drawn to the floor. I notice the first ants and cheeky beetles scurrying around in the trampled grass. Even a butterfly flutters excitedly into my tent. Nature awakens. There is no doubt about that. It’s nice when something moves again after the eternal rigidity. However, the trees and grass are still gray and brown. No wonder with night frosts still as low as minus 15 °C.
I’m waiting for Tanja and Bilgee who should be arriving at the spring camp today. I hope that none of them have fallen off their horses, that Naraa and Tuya and the other horses are safe and sound. Ultsan seeks me out and asks if we should erect the poles for our tepee for the time being. I’m delighted with his help, jump out of my camp chair and help him erect the scaffolding for our new home. As Tanja lived in our old tepee in the winter camp for the rest of the time, Tanja and Bilgee will bring the tent with them. Even if we can’t finish erecting the Indian tent, it’s good to have the skeleton in place.
At 18:30 I go to Tsaya and Ultsan with a clear conscience that I can leave my tent alone. I am invited to dinner again. There is rice with gazelle meat. Very tasty. Once again, Tsaya serves me a heaping bowl that satisfies me for a long time. “Here’s the pocket radio from Saintsetseg. I’ve repaired it,” I say and hand it to Ultsan. Ultsan is delighted that his brother Hoo accidentally broke it yesterday. “It was no problem. Since I’ve had new solder, I’ve been able to carry out repairs like this again,” I explain. After the meal, he shows me the charger we gave him some time ago so that he can charge his car battery using solar power. “Our puppy Guni (named after the hero of a Korean drama) caused a short circuit and destroyed it,” he explains sadly. I open the small box and discover the cold solder joint. “I’ll quickly get my gas soldering iron and fix it,” I promise and run to the tent. I am relieved to see that none of the dogs have conquered my castle. “Well, I’ve shown you,” I say confidently and hurry back to Ultsan’s tepee. Half an hour later, the charger is fine. “Tschin setgeleesee bajrlalaa” (“Thank you very much”), he thanks us effusively. Since the Tuwa transported their TV and satellite dish on their reindeer to the spring camp, they are able to watch their Korean drama every evening. The charger now also ensures that the car battery is properly supplied with energy. “Dsüüger, dsüüger” (“No problem”), I reply and am happy to be able to help in this way. Unfortunately, one of the camp residents destroys the charger again the next day by incessantly switching it on and off. This time, however, it is irreparable.
I have another cup of tea, today with fresh reindeer milk, and return to my home. Stunned, I notice that the garbage bag has been emptied and scattered all over the floor. Shaking my head, I walk around the tent to find the leak. In fact, one of my enemies managed to roll one of the beams and large stone on its side with its paws to press its body under the tent. But this time he didn’t steal anything except garbage. I wisely put the three food boxes in the sleeping cabin, which is secured with an extra zipper. I now place another beam on the fabric and more bricks. Now it really should be impossible for even strong lures to break into my realm. At some point I will win the battle against the hungry mob.
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