July 20 (Sunday) – Terelj National Park, Turtle Rock and a Meditation Temple

The drive to our next destination took us through more countryside.  Here it is a lot greener than we have seen elsewhere.

And there were some pretty, meandering rivers.  

And we passed an area with a lot of small shops lined up along the road. 

We weren't too far out of the city.  Maybe only an hour and a half.  The national parks in Mongolia are much more open to general residences and businesses than those in the US. 

The first stop in the park was Turtle Rock…a massive rock formation that looks very much like a huge turtle.  It is believed to bring good fortune and longevity (because turtles live so long).

We also spent some time at the very extensive souvenir shop there.  There was a lot of nice leather goods and lots of touristy souvenirs. 

The resident cat.

There was a falconer outside the shop.  One could hold the falcons.  For a tip of course.  

Then it was on to the Ariyabal Meditation Center, high on the hill.  

Mary opted to not make the long, uphill walk.

A cow and calf hanging out near the parking lot.

The others got some very good photos.

The interior of the center. 

Buddha's Feet

The walk up was lined with many interesting saying.

There were some paintings on some of the rock faces. 

The views from the top were lovely.

As we were headed off to our next stop we passed a summer camp for children.  It was ver colorful. 

Then it was off to the Terelj Lodge to check in and have lunch.  It was a slightly limited buffet but there was some interesting and yummy stuff.  And, we had the afternoon off, which was welcome.  We worked during the afternoon.  Late afternoon Jessica and Liam took a horse ride.