We break camp at 9 am and leave the Almaty area passing the ominously titled 'Panilov State Farm'. The A351 is a bumpy old 'B' road lined with fruit growers selling their wares. Melons ooze sweet juice and the apples 'tang' in your mouth. The mountains sit tantalizingly ten miles either side of the road.
Horses run wild on the wide open plains.
As we travelled we listened to the Kazak folk ensemble of Day 2. One melody that seemed very appropriate contained a Kazak traditional instrument - horses hoof castanets. In places the countryside is almost English but the rising thermometer shatters that illusion. There are 'yurt' shaped bus shelters decorated with colourful mosaic and men on horses with sun carved faces. Donkey carts pull whole families.