Mom, I found a hoopoe!

Today the wildfire smoke haze over the lake cleared, and we were able
to see the mountains 40 km away on the other side of the lake for the
first time. After dinner, two of us decided to race up the rocky ridge
over Bol'shie Koty and see the view. In addition to a beautiful
panorama of the village, the lake, and the Khamar-Daban mountains in
the distance, we were surprised to see a hoopoe. Hoopoes are common in
southern Africa, where Sarah remembers them as her favorite bird from
Botswana. Seeing one in Siberia was unbelievable.

Side note: It took 15 minutes to climb to the top. To our families and
friends: don't worry, hiking nuts are still hiking nuts when in
Siberia.

Sarah and Evan