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.
