But first, how about a little down-hill action? I must admit, I was not excited about this hill. Unlike our previous inner-tube outing at Leninskie gory (or in the Sierra Nevadas, for that matter), the snow here had been on the ground for some time and an icy layer had formed. I don't know about our brave companion, but MG had to give pause before committing to launching himself down. (He notes this in the spirit of truthfulness, and not without some embarrassment.)
In his defense, and though it's hard to tell from the photographs, this hill was epically long and treacherously steep.
This is where our hero grabs some air and ends up biting his tongue...
Bravely losing his hat and glasses along the way.
And as wise BrotherGote counsels, любишь кататься, люби и саночьки носить.*
*If you like to ride, you'd better like to carry the sled.
Then it was on to the main event. Represented here by the blind walrus cooling his tail. The walrus, it is well known, is a cold-weather cousin of the gote.
Walrus-gote family reunions are legendary. Here is another commemorative plaque of a reunion past.
Wait, what? I'm sorry, gotes can't read stick figures.
Ah, here we go. Our little changing area.
Friendly ducks gather to lend support.
A little calisthetics...
And...
For some reason, there seems to be no evidence of Alex's dip. But here he is performing gymnastic feats.
And here he is seeking the comfort of old Mr. Greeny.
And if you come visit, you can come swimming too, and then I'll show you the rest of them, even the embarrassing ones, even without creative Photoshopping.
(A big thank you to Alex for documenting the event, and apologies in advance for likely f-ing up the post-production.)
