Beginning of September, we headed off to Azerbaijan, with our good friend Bernard, to get a Dagestan Tur each.
After landing in Bucarest for refuelling, we arrive in Gabala, where our Azerbaijan outfitter Kenan, takes us to a local restaurant (Great meal !).
Next morning, we leave Gabala to the town of Sheki
From Sheki, we head to a military compound, where our horses and guides await us, to take us up the mountain to our base camp.
Off to base camp (A really long trek on horseback !!)
Wow …. I hope my horse knows what he’s doing …..
Base camp at last
Bernard, even brought his tent seat …
The next day, off hunting, as one of the elders, I get to move camp (much higher …) VERTICAL !!!
We separate over the different parts of the mountain, here we go ! (I painfully learn than when your guide says that there’s only 300 meters left, he means vertical ! (over 2 hours …)
Really vertical !
Supper in my “high” camp
Night in my “high” camp (In case you wondered, I was in the tent …)
UP AGAIN …
On the third day, I get my Tur !
I spend my third night in my high camp, and next morning head back to base camp
We meet the team sent to bring my Tur back
Nearly home ….
On returning to base camp, I am told that my friend Bernard’s Tur, that he wounded on the first night has been found ! (Really happy for him, as its his second trip to Azerbaijan)
When I arrive, I also learn that my friend Laurent is off with our local outfitter Kenan to get his Tur
AND his huge efforts pay off, as he bags a MONSTER Tur !!
Victory !!
Last supper on camp, with my Tur that has been cooking all afternoon
An intense feeling of loss, as we leave our new friends in Azerbaijan and start the long trek home
Reflecting on our future hunts
Last lunch with our friend Kenan
Adventures in High places 