Dispatches from Siberia

Lake BaikalI'm off to Siberia to see the progress on the construction of Russia's first environmental trail system, a spectacular hiking route on the shores Lake Baikal.

Representing the Student Conservation Association, I'm joining three other Americans from the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, and Pacific Crest Trail Association to lend our expertise in trail design and construction. We're getting dirty, too, swinging tools to do our part in shaping the new pathway.

We're traveling by motor vehicle, boat, on foot, and aboard the Trans-Siberian Railroad to visit a number of work sites. We're also spending time with the people of Baikal and sharing in their culture and their lives.

I'll post website dispatches whenever I can. Check in now and then to follow our adventures and to learn about this remarkable part of the world.

This link to the Great Baikal Trail Association provides maps and background information about the Lake Baikal region and the trail effort:
www.greatbaikaltrail.org

October 1st, 2008 ~ Seattle ~ USA

September 28th, 2008 ~ Irkutsk ~ The Last Day in Siberia

September 25th, 2008 ~ The Legend of Tankhoy

September 22nd, 2008 ~ Snotty Days on the Holy Nose

September 20th, 2008 ~ Homestay in Ust'Barguzin

September 19th, 2008 ~ A Cybercafe in Irkutsk, Siberia

September 18th, 2008 ~ Bol'Shoe Goloustnoe, Siberia

September 16th, 2008 ~ Pribaikalsky National Park, Siberia

September 14th, 2008 ~ Arshan, East Siberia

September 12th, 2008 ~ Tuninski National Park, Siberia

September 10th, 2008 ~ Irkutsk, Siberia

September 9th, 2008 ~ Irkutsk, Siberia

September 8th, 2008 ~ Paris, France

September 6th, 2008 ~ Paris, France

September 4th, 2008 ~ Paris, France