Off the ferry into a bustling, very hot customs hall filled with Koreans and some Russians.

The customs doors open and the Russian officials start processing people through at about one every 20 minutes.

I'm spotted by a sharp eyed official who brings me to the front of the queue. I suspect that this was a little side business for the officials but for a few dollars more I was glad to be out of the broiling crowd.

More Russian documents were given to me...all in Russian!!! The official spoke no English, but took me to the office and gave me the English versions for cross referencing.

That's where I met Nikolai, world traveller, fluent in Russian, English and women, always in a good humor and my new travelling buddy.

He travelled light, but I offered him a ride as I had a spare lid and he promptly took charge of my customs wrangle.

For $100.00 payment to the official, I was out of there in no time!

The bike was overladen and cop cars appeared wherever I went!

With Nikolai's help, this is what happened my first two hours in Russia!

This is Nina - more on her later!

Went looking for a campsite and the road deteriorated to a muddy track. Unfortunately, the tires I got in America were no good in the mud...like a hippo on roller skates!

Unfortunately, this very minor 'get off' hit the faring hard, bent the headlight frame so the steering was obstructed.

luckily the beach was only a couple hundred yards away. We made camp.

Next morning 2nd of Sept. was raining hard

babushka selling crabs...sorry luv, not today!

With some new Russian friends, came up with an idea to re-align the bent steel

With the bike between two solid posts...

I'd use my ratcheting tie down straps to bend the metal to where it need to be.

The adorable Ksenia lends a hand.

mission accomplished...back in business!

We were invited to celebrate our success by Igar,Ksenya father. A grand time was had by all!

Lena, Igar's wife and Ksenya's mother. Wonderful lady!

Everyday, Igar would catch fish for dinner. Love this shot of Kysena with fish.

Igar and me...with just 'a little bit' of vodka!

Couple of Russian sailors and me in Slavyanka
!

September the 4th. Packed up and heading to
Vladivostok.