Monthly Archives: November 2014

Beautiful Laos

Saturday November 29, 2014, 87 miles (140 km) – Total so far: 6,631 miles (10,672 km)

Saturday November 29, 2014 two days 87 miles Yesterday morning we ate at the same restaurant as the night before because of a western breakfast menu. We each had fried eggs with potatoes along with a great banana pancake. Along with that was a delicious papaya shake. In other words we didn’t get a really early start.

We spent the entire day riding along a river where for once the road stayed at about the same elevation. In our experience most of the river roads we have cycled will climb sometimes several thousand feet even though most say roads follow river elevation. It turned out to be one of best rides ever as we followed the windy river through tiny villages. Kids were in school and they always ran out to say hi.

The next day it was more of an uphill ride while negotiating the rocky disappearing road.

It was also a great day to meet other touring cyclists as we encountered a group of five (3 Canadian and 2 Czech) and after that a Japanese cyclist. They were all headed to Vietnam and had nothing but good things to say about Laos.

I can now see why Laos is such a great destination for backpackers. I spent the winters of 2012 and 2013 working in Antarctica. Once the season is over most workers travel the world after spending the winter on ice. A very popular destination of these winter-overs is SE Asia with Laos and Thailand as the number one choices. Laos is very beautiful, adventure orientated, friendly people, with excellent food and very inexpensive. Guest houses charge from $7-$13 a night. We have talked with many and long term is even cheaper. In fact we have met many the last few days spending their off season here instead of their home country. It really is a fascinating country and the weather is excellent. Tonight we are staying in another small town guest house at the cost of $7. Next door we had an excellent dinner and enjoyed the locals. Even though we can’t talk much our communication is excellent with smiles all around.

Jocelyn’s rear derailleur that she had installed (the used Shimano Altus) has been chattering and the chain jumping gears. She removed 3 links and that seems to have fixed it although it is still quite noisy. We hope it lasts another month.

A very fine restaurant on a river.
A very fine restaurant on a river.
A guy fishing.
A guy fishing.
A really nice guest house and friendly owner. We had a good time. $8.
A really nice guest house and friendly owner. We had a good time. $8.
We think the government puts up all the flags.
We think the government puts up all the flags.
A wonderful riverside ride.
A wonderful riverside ride.
Very interesting.
Very interesting.
Two seven headed dragons...oh my!
Two seven headed dragons…oh my!
Solitude.
Solitude.
There are some very small homes in Laos.
There are some very small homes in Laos.
We met 3 Canadians and 2 Czechs heading to Vietnam.
We met 3 Canadians and 2 Czechs heading to Vietnam.
We don't quite understand this massive walking bridge as it is too narrow for cars. The other side is just a dirt path. Maybe the mayor lives across the way.
We don’t quite understand this massive walking bridge as it is too narrow for cars. The other side is just a dirt path. Maybe the mayor lives across the way.
Moss from the river drying.
Moss from the river drying.
We also met a Japanese cyclist headed to Vietnam. Most cyclists we have met lately are out cycling for a few weeks to a month, hence their lighter load. When we tell people we have been out for 9 1/2 months their mouths drop open in disbelief. Mine does too...as where did the time go?
We also met a Japanese cyclist headed to Vietnam. Most cyclists we have met lately are out cycling for a few weeks to a month, hence their lighter load. When we tell people we have been out for 9 1/2 months their mouths drop open in disbelief. Mine does too…as where did the time go?
Outside our lunch spot.
Outside our lunch spot.
I was looking for a dessert Moonpie across the street and found these tasty morsels. I'm glad we already ate.
I was looking for a dessert Moonpie across the street and found these tasty morsels. I’m glad we already ate.
One of our favorite rides yet.
One of our favorite rides yet.

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Thank you...we have had a great trip! The Lao alphabet is very pretty.
Thank you…we have had a great trip! The Lao alphabet is very pretty.
A view from our guest house backyard.
A view from our guest house backyard.
Another great dinner.
Another great dinner.
A fine familyhome in the jungle.
A fine familyhome in the jungle.
A beautiful lily pond.
A beautiful lily pond.
A fruit shopping spot.
A fruit shopping spot.
Glad we already had breakfast. Squirrel on a stick...yum!
Glad we already had breakfast. Squirrel on a stick…yum!
This could be a scene from a South Pacific island resort.
This could be a scene from a South Pacific island resort.
A beer restaurant! We think the government has a monopoly on beer in Laos as the only one available is "Beerlao". It is good but reminds me of Budweiser.
A beer restaurant! We think the government has a monopoly on beer in Laos as the only one available is “Beerlao”. It is good but reminds me of Budweiser.
Good lunch spot.
Good lunch spot.
We haven't seen a stop sign or light in several weeks.
We haven’t seen a stop sign or light in several weeks.
I count 21 satellite dishes on this 2nd story. Must be THE spot.
I count 21 satellite dishes on this 2nd story. Must be THE spot.