Park "Pekhorka", lapta and towns, Koloksha Istukan, Dyukinsky quarry

Early in the morning, we stop by Balashikha. The local park "Pekhorka" has undergone major changes in the last couple of years. Now it is a trendy park with art objects, play areas, a 5D movie theater and a contact zoo. In the morning, yoga and exercise sessions often take place in the huge wooden decked area.
There is a boat station and wooden decks with loungers. In short, a healthy alternative to the capital's parks.

Not far from Vladimir there is an agro-cultural complex Bogdarnya. Here you can play folk games (lapta and gorodki, for example) or paintball, go for a horse ride in the forest (1500 rubles) or ride a Russian troika. And even learn how to shoe a horse. There are also some master classes on cheese making, but they take two days. And no one will stop you from ordering a tasting of local cheeses.
You can also have lunch here. The prices are quite affordable. A special item on the menu is dishes on coals: the meat products are own here, which is doubly pleasant.

Near Vladimir, on the bank of the Klyazma River stands a very curious sculpture. It has many names: Head on Koloksha, Moai of Koloksha County, Koloksha Istukan...
This is a huge concrete man, whose body is buried under the ground, and his head, arms and legs stick out. There is no mystical reasoning in the art-object. The stone man is "guarding" a nearby hotel. But that doesn't make it any less interesting.

To meet the sunset we go to Andreevsky (or Dyukinsky) quarry. The history of this picturesque place is logical. Before 1892, there were impenetrable forests here. Then a timber processing plant appeared in this area, and in the post-war years they began to mine minerals here. For a long time, the quarry supplied the surrounding factories with stone, dolomite flour and limestone. And when mining stopped, the area lived a completely different life.
Now Dyukinsky quarry is a haven for mountain climbers. The steep edges of the pit are perfect for training. It's a little late to go down to the bottom of the pit, but you can breathe in the scent of pine trees and explore the scenery.

We'll stop by Gus-Khrustalny for dinner. The restaurant "Jam" - is one of the best in town. It calls itself "unmodern", undoubtedly pouncing on compliments. The interior in the style of retro-jazz of the 50s, soft music (although sometimes there are karaoke evenings), a good-quality menu without extravagances - these are its advantages. It's also one of the few restaurants that can offer a full vegetarian menu.

We'll spend the night in the outskirts of Gus-Khrustalny, and tomorrow we'll head in the direction of the Meshchersky National Park.