Savvatevsky Monastery ... active and welcomes pilgrims — Solovetsky Island, Russia.

Ruins along the road — Solovetsky Island, Russia.

One of the many lakes that dot the north end of the island — Solovetsky Island, Russia.

No easy way to get through the brush to what looks like a log-cabin type church — Solovetsky Island.

Beautifully carved Orthodox cross — Solovetsky Island, Russia.

Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery across Svyatoe Lake ... in sepia — Solovetsky Island, Russia.

The Solovetsky Transfiguration Monastery is heavily fortified — Solovetsky Island, Russia.

Solovetsky: Circling Back

July 15, 2019 in Russia ⋅ ⛅ 52 °F

From Sekirnaya Hill, we continued around the north end of the island, making occasional stops for photo ops as we bumpity-bumped our way back to the main settlement. This portion of Bolshoy Solovetsky Island has many, many, many lakes and ponds and inlets of all sizes. And is heavily forested as well.

We didn’t dally long at any of our stops ... for a couple of reasons — the mosquitoes were vicious and we wanted to have plenty of time to visit the fortress-like main monastery. Too, despite our layers, we were all chilled to the bone. So much so that we canceled the boat ride out to Big Zayasky Island. A mistake? In hindsight, I’d say, yes. At the time, however, it was the right decision.Read more