Fancy, schmancy boats on Olkhon Island
Fishing port at Olkhon Island
Waiting for a paint job
My last post was full of grey and dreary landscapes in China, so I thought I needed to brighten things up with a look at the creative canvasses on Olkhon Island in Lake Baikal in Russia.
We spent a glorious two nights/three days on the remote island, enjoying the sights, hospitality and food.
He-Who-Walks-Everywhere (aka Poor John) suggested we stroll down to the fishing port and what a wonderful find. Not only are there floating and ancient boats galore, but there is artwork everywhere too.
I have no idea whether all the paintings have been done by the same artist or set of artists, but the creators have had a wonderful time bringing colour, vibrancy, whimsy and dignity to a collection of old, rusty boats stranded on the sand.
The last time I saw boats marooned like this was in Uzbekistan beside the dried up Aral Sea. It was a tremendously sad and moving experience that I wrote about here. At least this sight brought some joy and smiles.
Lake Baikal, which I’ll write more about later, is the largest and deepest fresh water lake in the world. We had a day-long tour of the island and some of it’s important sights.
By the way, do you have a favourite painting? I think I’ll go for the jungle and the girl with the dog on the boat. Also very partial to the skeleton fish in the last image. The colours work so well with the rusted out boat, and the blue sky is the perfect backdrop.
P.S. Once again there aren’t many captions, but you’ll notice that one painting (of a man–fish) is on the side of a building rather than on a boat. Also, you can click on the smaller images to see a larger version.
Where to next? 
What a wonderful idea to give new life to old boats. I love the one with the dragon’s eye but also, like you, the one with the girl and the dog on the boat. Very creative.
LikeLiked by 3 people
They’re all so good, it’s hard to choose favourites.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This must have been a wonderful experience – the Museum of Rusted Boats. Do people live in any of these boats? My favorite photo is the very first with the whole collection of dilapidated boats resting like a pile of discarded shoes and that decrepit sidewalk leading to down to the water. Much fun to see this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Museum of Rusted Boats—maybe they can use the name to market it as a tourist site. We didn’t try that sidewalk. It looked like a death trap for sure.
LikeLike
Love the art work – what an original canvas!
Peta
LikeLiked by 1 person
We thought so too. Very glad we wandered down that way.
LikeLike
I’d have to say that “Waiting for a Paint Job” is my fave. The other shots are terrific, as usual, but “Waiting” just has a stoic perseverance that speaks to me….
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, I like it too. I wonder if/when it will get the treatment?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful creations…what a great idea to bring these old wrecks back to life
LikeLiked by 2 people
I wish I could have learned more about the boats, but never found anyone who could speak more than a few words of English.
LikeLike
How absolutely fabulous. I hoped over to the Kazak post and was devastated. This makes me smile. Thank you. PS: I rather like the lizard with the louche expression …
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh yes, he does look the sleazy one. The other post is heartbreaking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great idea: Turn eyesores into an art gallery in the open! I enjoyed the whimsy and talent of the works. Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So glad you enjoyed them. I think whimsy is the perfect word for the designs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the aliens with portholes for eyes, but there is a real sense of ‘escape’ in the girl and the dog. The dog also looks like something from Ancient Egypt. Lake Baikal is in great danger of dying too, it seems. Pollution levels are now alarmingly high, so it is small wonder they no longer use those old fishing boats. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/oct/19/lake-baikal-russia-crippled-algae-fish-poaching-pollution
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much for that link Pete. I plan to devote an entire post to Lake Baikal. Even though it is so important, I feel it isn’t at all well-known.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is often featured on the BBC, Peggy. Reports about pollution, and the lack of traditional industries like fishing these days. I will look forward to your article.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t say mine will be learned, but it will be picturesque!
LikeLike
Your comment prompted me to look up freshwater lakes. I was unaware Baikal was the largest freshwater lake – by volume. I always thought it was Lake Superior — which would be the largest by surface area but for the Caspian Sea which became a lake 11 million years ago.
That aside, I enjoyed the art.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, the largest by volume. I look forward to telling more about Lake Baikal in a future post.
LikeLike
That’s so creative and cool! Love how the old rustic boats have come to life again and in a totally new way. It’s like they got a second chance in life 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not only did they get a second chance, but they look like they’re totally enjoying it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow!! I love these! Especially the one which looks like space! ❤
LikeLike
The colours on that one are especially striking.
LikeLiked by 1 person
These are a feast for the eyes, and evoke a sense of another world to inhabit, such character.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so right, they are rather other-worldly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is very interesting how life came over these forgotten boats. My favorite one is the girl with her dog, wondering where they are looking so keenly ahead?:)
LikeLike
I love how these boats live on. I hope the girl and dog are on an adventure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I liked the night sky one with the planets and stars. If it ever got back on the water you would not be able to see it at night, you would think it was part of the sky.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clever thinking Dorothy. That hadn’t occurred to me.
LikeLike
What a place! Girl in a boat is my favourite too.
Alison
LikeLiked by 1 person
She looks so determined.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it proof of whatever the situation, people often try and improve their lot. Truly inspirational to make and give those rusted hulls a new lease on life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m just so glad we happened upon them.
LikeLike
I well remember your Aral Sea post. That was so sad. Actually it is always sad to see beautiful old boats and machinery left to rust away. Like seeing a beautiful old horse left in a tiny paddock, neglected and sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An accurate and sad comparison.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very cool – I love the whole scene. And I’m going to go back and read the Aral Sea post. Another blogger I follow was just there, and I found the whole thing so depressing. I’ll see if yours is any cheerier although I doubt it given the situation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the Aral Sea situation is totally depressing, especially because if countries such as Turkmenistan stopped pumping the water, the sea might have a chance to recover.
LikeLiked by 2 people
They are fantastic. Sad that life has changed but happy to see that art brings some joy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope everyone who visit Olkhon Island takes the opportunity to visit the fishing port in Khuzhir.
LikeLiked by 2 people
what wonderful paintings on those boats
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay so here’s a Lake Baikal post. Those boats are fabulous. What an interesting way to pretty up those junkers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The artists certainly have flair.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful to see some colour after the drab views from the train. That galaxy painting was gorgeous and I really liked the girl and dog too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought the dog and girl might tempt you! I think they are on an adventure.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My kind of gal.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, I love that skeleton one at the end, Peggy. What a fascinating place! I feel like if I would step aboard a boat, it would take me to wherever the picture was real and alive as the rest of us. x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Maybe you can weave a skeleton boat into one of your stories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oooo. I should. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Nice photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much.
LikeLike
just wow 😍 a most appreciated art work on old boats just to give them a new life
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s wonderful that they have a new and colourful life.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes ❤️
could you be so kind as to follow me @loggypeggy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for the invite. Your site looks interesting, but I get around on an electric bike and have no need for a car. Good luck.
LikeLike
no problem! i just need a follower nothing much it would be great if you do it
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy to oblige. Most likely will unfollow when you have a few more. :0
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much dear, will not unfollow 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mural in the ship… So cool
Pagang and sironjong island, a photographic view theory, https://wowtraveler.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/catch-a-moment-part-one/
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the link.
LikeLiked by 1 person
great use with a lot of work in connection congratulations on the new lock. beautiful Easter
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much. Wishing you a beautiful Easter too.
LikeLike
Vielen Dank,,>>>>Vielen Dank
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like the bottom picture of the boat – horrifically creative 🙂 Bliss.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you like it too. I often put my favourites pics either first or last—or both.
LikeLike