Perm-afrost

Perm 2 is the last stop in Europe. By the time we wake in the morning we'll have passed Yekaterinberg and be over the border to Asia.

It also the first place where the snow lies uncleared on the platform. Up until now every platform, path and walkway has been ruthlessly swept to pristine dryness. Here it is merely trodden down. In some spots where the hoses trail across to replenish the train's tanks it has melted or worn down almost 6 inches, still without any sign of reaching the bottom. There may be a platform under there somewhere, or it may be solid ice all the way down.Read more