BAZflyer: Krasnoyarsk

Almost abruptly, as if it was a mirage raising from the seemingly endless and unpopulated Siberian landscape, the city of Krasnoyarsk came into view. Located at the very centre of Russia, arrival in this orderly and affluent city of around one million people, signalled the mid-way point on the Bazflyers amazing flight across the vast lands of Russia.

Krasnoyarsk is a city with a ‘beating’ heart. People, culture and aviation all radiate their own unique wonderful welcoming warmth. But here at the heart of Russia, Severny airport where Comanche ZK-BAZ is parked, is perhaps a very strong contender for a Bazflyer award as one of the country’s most friendly general aviation airfields. But then what else would one expect from the very heart of this enormous country.

Then like nourishment for a good heart, Krasnoyarsk embraces the enormous Yenisei River. This aorta of water, the fifth longest river on the planet, flows from Mongolia north through Siberia, and into the the Arctic Ocean.

Mira Avenue is the central historical street in Krasnoyarsk. Perhaps it could be likened to the pulse of this city, a place the famous author Anton Chekhov judged as the most beautiful in Siberia. Historic buildings, cafes, shops and monuments line each side of this pleasant strolling boulevard. This city is known as the gastronomic capital of Russia, and if that is not enough, heart warming great coffee is available every few steps along the way.

Tomorrow the Bazflyers again fly further east, this time to Lake Baikal. The world's largest lake (by volume) and holding more water than any other river system. Lake Baikal’s single outlet feeds into the Yenisei River.

Krasnoyarsk is in the very centre of Russia

A very warm and friendly welcome at Severny Airport

Yenisei River flowing through Krasnoyarsk

The river viewed from a local vantage point. An Australian-Canadian expedition taking 5-months during 2001 were the first to explore the entire length of the Yenisei River by kayak.

Water is everywhere...this is one of 146 fountains in the city