An all day climb to Sa Pa, Vietnam

. Our World Tour Adventure ., Vietnam

Wednesday November 19, 2014, 24 miles (39 km) – Total so far: 6,337 miles (10,198 km)

Thursday November 20, 2014 24 miles
We climbed west to the mountain town of Sa Pa that is said to be one of the most beautiful areas of Vietnam. This 24 mile climb from Lao Cai took us all of 6 hours even though the altitude is only 4900 feet. We had to walk the steeper parts as it was a continuous climb. The rain sprinkled lightly and at the town a heavy fog set in due to a large lake. The ride was absolutely breathtaking as we viewed the terraced farms and small villages. The occasional water buffaloes were a bonus as were all the friendly people and mostly courteous drivers. Once in town we were escorted by a hotel manager to his hotel which sounded like a great deal at $10 per night. It was clean and had an excellent place to store our bikes. There are many activities in this area so we will take tomorrow off for an all day van/hiking tour of the surrounding areas.

At one of the train stations in China there was an attack by terrorists with knives. Many were killed. At this station we went through x-ray before boarding and my knife was found. Security wanted to take it away but I told them I wanted to keep it as it was my dad's knife. So they wrapped it and taped it and said, "Do not use".
At one of the train stations in China there was an attack by terrorists with knives. Many were killed. At this station we went through x-ray before boarding and my knife was found. Security wanted to take it away but I told them I wanted to keep it as it was my dad’s knife. So they wrapped it and taped it and said, “Do not use”.
Riding out of Lao Cai border town.
Riding out of Lao Cai border town.

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Water buffalo checking out Jocelyn.
Water buffalo checking out Jocelyn.
A very natural roof.
A very natural roof.
I may enter this picture in a Beard and Bike contest.
I may enter this picture in a Beard and Bike contest.
It was very beautiful riding in the Vietnam mountains.
It was very beautiful riding in the Vietnam mountains.

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Walking her water buffalo.
Walking her water buffalo.

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Selling fruit and vegetables from the road.
Selling fruit and vegetables from the road.

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Yes, we walked some and several little pigs ran by.
Yes, we walked some and several little pigs ran by.
And some more.
And some more.

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Terrace farming at its finest.
Terrace farming at its finest.

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Flooded rice fields and water buffalo.
Flooded rice fields and water buffalo.
We finally made it after 24 miles and 6 hours.
We finally made it after 24 miles and 6 hours.

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There is a lake to the right and it gets very foggy.
There is a lake to the right and it gets very foggy.

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A very fine Vietnamese wine.
A very fine Vietnamese wine.

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