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6

Bolsheretsk to Tigil is very swampy and clear of timber, which grows only on the mountains, and consists of the same species we had seen before, birch, poplar and cedar brushes. Numerous streams flowing into the sea; indicate the proximity to the sea coast. North of Tigil as far as village Kinkil(a distance of 325 versts) the mountain range is quite close to the Coast, and the road runs over hills of considerable elevation. Here the vegetation is not as rich as in lower Kamtchatka, the same kind of trees are to be seen, but of inferior growth and quality. From Kinkil to Lessnoi (a distance of 25 versts) the mountain range takes a somewhat easterly direction, but from Lessnoi to Podkagernaya (distance 250 versts) the mountains some of them three and four thousand feet high - literally seem to empty into the sea. We were told in Lessnoi that it would be difficult, if not impossible to cross the mountains with pack horses, the heights between this place and Podkagernaya being already covered with deep snow. My principal care was to reach Podkagernaya, there was no snow on the plains and with only tolerable weather it was possible to get to Kamennoi in a fortnight. Our horses could winter there and their owners conveniently indemnified. I do not want to buy them, horses being expensive in Kamtchatka from 100 to 125 roubles piece. I resolved to proceed without delay but to take our baggage

Transcription Notes:
Podkagernaya exists as an entity on the west coast of the Kamchatka peninsula according to googlemaps (although it will not appear if you search for it by name, you have to look very closely on the map itself)