Kotlas

Here is the official website of the city of Kotlas.  That's where we're ultimately headed, because that's where Elena is currently living.  The site is a little difficult to understand, mostly because it's written in Russian.  (What, you expect the official site of a Russian city to be written in English?)

However, just for fun, look at their tourism page.  The intro says something like:

The crossroads of the northern Three Rivers district, Kotlar is built on the names of St. Stephen's Velikopermskiy, prominent reformer S. Witte, northern hero W. Shulya and all those who wrote the story of life in the Russian North. The glory of military victories and the tragedy of forced labor during the Great Patriotic War are carefully preserved and transmitted to future generations.

Today Kotlas is a major transport hub and an important part of the Russian economy; we promote the union of historical and cultural values of the neighboring regions. A developed network of roads and proximity to the pearls of the Russian North, Solvychegodsk and Great Ustyug (nearby towns), river spaces and woodlands create opportunities for recreation, hunting and fishing - all of which are the determining factors for the development of different types of tourism in our territory. Kotlas - the open road, and traditional Russian hospitality!

Our city is ready to welcome you in winter and summer! Swept the January snow and warm July sun, this quiet northern province still cherishes that inexplicable feeling, called the "Russian soul". Away from the big cities you will forget about the bustle and fatigue. Several days of silence, clean air, river sunsets and sunrises, and a tour selected according to your wishes - a great holiday and the warmest memories!

Pretty cool, huh?  The rest of the page talks about guided tours, hunting and fishing, local history, camping, and the like.