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The Grand Adventure
  • Helene Rimberg
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  • Helene Rimberg

The Grand Adventure

A bike trip with no end Leggi altro
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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Lots of little falls along the road
    Quite a ways downSo many puppies aroundBamboo baskets drying the riceDown into the caveA lot of corn in addition to the riceBeautiful wood houses on stilts

    Pu Luong walkabout: Day 1

    27 ottobre, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    After a nice breakfast, organized ourselves for a hike. First stop - Bat Cave. From there descend into the river valley. Walk along a lovely river and amongst the rice fields. As its harvest time, people are out in the fields and also burning; creating a bit of smoke and haze. Very steep walk out and back to our happy home. Try out a different restaurant for dinner - quite good!Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Road washoutOne of many small villages we rode throughWe are headed for those hillsNot our homestay, but prettyAlmost done - mango smoothie timeView from our balcony

    We found our happy home - literally

    26 ottobre, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    After an amazing cheese omelette, set off on a short but hilly ride into Pu Luong reserve. Again, we dealt with hills and muddy roads to avoid the traffic. After a stop for coffee (have yet to figure out how to order it here) headed up. Nice gradual climb of 1200 feet. Made it to Happy Home - our homestay! Lovely room and view. Had our best meal thus far in Vietnam!Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Typical street scene
    Fruit grows right into it's packagingOur "road"Better than the horns

    Things are looking brighter

    25 ottobre, Vietnam ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    A dry and warmer morning. Backtrack a bit to find an iPhone store. With a quick screen replacement it’s all better. Head out and opt for very small roads to avoid the traffic. Mostly decent surface with a few muddy sections. Scenery improves and with it our moods. Return to the big road for final miles and arrive at our home stay. Greeted by the Brit host and shown to our fine room. Chicken curry and rice prepared by our hosts.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    And another one

    24 ottobre, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Another cool and rainy morning. Longer day in store and unfortunately almost totally on the busy Ho Chi Minh road. The horns and treacherous drivers were relentless. Rain did stop and we did make sure to stop and eat lunch. Arrive at the hotel emotionally drained. A bit out of town so limited options for dinner. Walk across the road and choose our dishes from the pots. Made for a decent dinner.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    They have beautiful doors here
    Not sure what's in those bagsView from hotel

    Some days ……

    23 ottobre, Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    ….. it just feels like too much. Today was one of those. Weather was cool and rainy, quite the switch for us. Donned jackets and headed out. Battled rain, wind and honking vehicles all day. So wet, we couldn’t take pictures. Found our hotel - a relatively bright spot in the day. Went out in search of dinner and the few restaurants were closed. Put together dinner from a little store.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Thus far Christian churches outnumber anything else

    Along the Ho Chi Minh trail

    22 ottobre, Vietnam ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Left our bungalow and quickly returned to smaller roads. Quite windy again making for slower riding. Lots of storm damage and overflowing rivers (a few typhoons passed through recently). Meander across several bridges just for 2 wheelers. Staying away from trucks and cars is a primary objective - they are very horn happy! Make it to Tan Ky, and after an interesting mango smoothie find a hotel. Gathered a few basic provisions and order a relatively balanced dinner. Vietnam is proving to be a bit challenging in the food department.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Kitten friends
    Typical Laos roadDown we go. Road so much better

    Hello Vietnam

    20 ottobre, Vietnam ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    Cloudy morning as we prepare to climb the last bit before crossing the border into Vietnam. Load up with caffeine and sugar and head out. The road seems quieter but still a bit rough. Rain begins before we hit the last climb. Wait it out a bit but must continue onward. As we near the border, have to weave in and out of the lanes as the trucks are parked on our side waiting to cross. Fairly easy crossing though it’s very wet. Beautiful road going down with very little traffic. Lots of greenery and flowing water. Make it to Son Tay and check into nice hotel. Venture out for dinner. Manage to order an odd dinner but pretty good - chicken bits and little fish and sticky rice.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Maybe prepping to pave
    Mountains have gotten biggerVery low ceilingsTop of hill looking back to where we came fromA new friend

    UP towards the border

    19 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    After a lovely pancake breakfast, head out onto the main road. Climb stats immediately, and the sun bakes us as we struggle upwards. The road is in all sorts of disrepair which as to the fun. Great views though. Finally make it to the top and have a break as we lose a bit of elevation. Stop at Dragon cave and viewpoint. Finish the ride as the headwinds really pick up. Find a cheap hotel and an ok place for dinner.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Interesting way to grow plant startsCave entranceFound a kitten in the restaurant. Sorry - no milk there

    Tham Nam Non Cave

    18 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    After another nice breakfast, left the resort - retracing our route to the north. Stopped at Tham Nam Non cave, which to our surprise was full of water. Using inner tubes we floated up into the cave. It was quite spacious and the water was clear and a lovely temperature. Turned around when it got too dark and spooky. Continued on Na Hin, finding a decent place to sleep and eat.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Staying hydrated
    Although I like "stalagmeet" these are called columnsOtherworldlyLight, at last

    Kong Lor Cave

    17 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    As the bungalow is very dark, I manage to sleep in. Late. Finally get up and go have breakfast before it’s too late. Short ride to Kong Lor Cave, a 5km long cave with a river through it. Take a little boat to a motorized boat and cruise up the river - stopping a few times to marvel at the formations. Pop out on the other side and then return. Very cool! Back to
    our place and relax for the rest of the day.    Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
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    Water buffalo poolMud bathSurrounded by craggy peaks1Harvest timeRaised pathways to bathroom and restaurant

    Spring river resort

    16 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Day begins quite cool (relatively) but quickly warms up. Not moving too fast as tired from the previous day’s adventures. Steep downhill to start which quickly levels out into a lovely road through a valley. A big of a headwind but we make good time and arrive at our destination - Spring River resort. Check in and venture out on kayaks. Head into a lagoon which is quite serene. Doug’s boat takes on water and eventually he capsizes. Twice. I tow him short distance back.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Morning beauty
    So excited 😳First zip line of manyAnd he's flyingZip line platformFirst sketch bridgeUp and overSpider web bridgeAmazing!Look back from where we cameVia FerrataAbseiling downLunch is servedStraight up we goVery narrow bridge. Not sure I liked this one

    A day for adrenaline junkies

    15 ottobre, Laos ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    On our “rest day”, we embark on a full day adventure. For 7 hours we flew on zip lines, climbed up and down sheer rock walls, walked across sketchy bridges and basically did whatever possible to get our heart racing (generally from fear). Though scary, it was amazing soaring high above the craggy peaks. We claimed our mind against the hordes on bugs and heat. And when the rain and thunder began - we just continued on. Great day - especially in retrospect.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Low hanging clouds
    Lots of these little trucksReturning to pointy peaksA better section of roadOur walkway to the restaurant1On the scenic walkwayTrees growing right out of the rocks12Our capsule

    Up to the Rockpoint

    14 ottobre, Laos ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    Later start as we only have 20 miles to ride - almost entirely up hill. The road is pretty rough in sections but we make it over the first hill. Clouds build and get pelted with a bit of rain but keep going. It does clear pretty quickly; with the sun coming out just in time for the steep part. Sweat our way up and arrive at the Rockpoint viewpoint and Lodge - our destination. Check in to our “capsule” and venture out onto the walkway. Amazing views!Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Beerlao owns Laos!

    Back to the Mekong

    12 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Up and out early as need to find coffee and breakfast. Gather our supplies for the day and head out on horrible road with many trucks and buses. After about 5km, the road becomes smooth asphalt with a big shoulder. Cruise along, meeting up with the Mekong. A few stops for frosty drinks and finally make it to Paksan. Check in to hotel (another one that is mostly empty). Find dinner and spend all evening trying to figure out Vietnam visa process.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Little ferry1Who left our bikes in a creek?Sun returnsLovely fish dinnerShower buddy

    A waterfall visit

    11 ottobre, Laos ⋅ 🌩️ 32 °C

    Long day planned but we plan to break it up with a visit to a waterfall. Cycling is easier today as road is flatter with longer stretches of good road. Veer off the main road and head into the hills to visit waterfalls. Have a nice dip and watch storm clouds form. Get out of the water just as skies open. Huddle under a little shelter - watching the falls double in size. Finally it stops, yet find our bikes now parked in a creek. Continue on our way. Arrive in Naxay and find a very cheap but acceptable hotel.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Lovely morning
    Beautiful sceneryEven the goats struggle to get pastWater buffalo eyeing meOur view

    A long hot ride

    10 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Get an early start though it’s tempting to stay! Lots of rolling hills amongst green hills that eventually get bigger. A few tough climbs in the heat. Plod along, especially over the rough sections. Find ourselves in a mud pit. No bueno. Find a decent, and cheap, hotel. Then off to dinner. Another fun time ordering food with no local language skills.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Rebuilding roadHoly shitAmazing peaksPool or lake? Lake!Ahhhhh!

    Fun van ride over the mountain

    9 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Early morning departure to board a minivan for Vien Vang. Horrible road conditions confirm that we made the right decision not to ride. And then in slopes up and the road becomes almost nonexistent- a tad scary in a vehicle. Make it down and pick up more people just adding to the fun. Somehow make it to Vien Vang without losing my mind. Gladly mount my bike and ride short distance (still rough road) to resort by very large reservoir. Lovely swim in the lake and enjoy sunset. Nice ending to a rough day.Leggi altro

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    Two sides to Laos

    8 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Take a short walk to the UXO museum (unexploded ordnances). Between 1964-1973 the US dropped a plane load of munitions, on average, every 8 minutes, 24 hours each day. And we denied doing it. 30% did not explode and thus remained - creating deathly hazards for the people of Laos and impacting all aspects of their lives. The government has worked to educate and clean them up. It was quite eye opening and disturbing. Juxtaposed to this, the preparations for the festival were in full swing. Spent the afternoon packing and cleaning bikes before hitting the streets for the parade. Bought our offerings which we released into the Mekong (goodbye bad luck- hello good
    luck). Watched the flaming floats travel down stream after snagging a table by the water. Tried a Lao fish wrap - very tasty. Make your own lettuce wraps using a whole grilled
    Fish.    Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Royal pond
    Royal boatsFancy boats on the Mekong1Reminds me of New Orleans.Fish marketSo many types of rice1A boat for tomorrow's parade making its way into townA boat being assembledLaotian temples have a lot of muralsVery fun lanternsTemple built into hillsideTemple inside a caveView from the top

    Luang Probang exploration

    7 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Wake to heavy rains which clear pretty quickly. Head to Royal Palace which is now a museum. Unable to take pictures of the lavish digs. Afterwards long walk to get eSIM cards as our reliable worldwide coverage does not cover Laos. Check out local market Tour a few Wats in town before heading up Phosi Hill for sunset and moonrise. Strangely we aren’t the only ones to think of this. Opt to not wait an extra hour for moonrise. Preparations for Lhai Heua Fai (Festival of Lights), marking the end of Buddhist Lent are starting!Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Quite hilly!
    Not sure if it's meant to be so tippyBack to terraced rice paddiesSleeping bear pileIn the dry season the water is clear. And much lowerOpted not to have our lunch here1Fun swing bridgeView from the topCafe amongst the treesSemi-awake bear. I believe it is an Asiatic black bear

    Anniversary adventures

    6 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    In honor of our 34 years of marriage, ride 34 miles (RT) to Kuang Si waterfalls. Scenic ride with some very rough sections (e.g, water filled potholes). Explore very full waterfalls with many other tourists. Even have a bear sanctuary. Get a great view from the top. Enjoy the cool
    water before heading back to town. Enjoy some anniversary bubbles before pizza dinner.    Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Morning fog
    Our hotel from the riverTrain bridge for high speed China-Laos trainSteep steps to roadDaily night market

    Mekong: Day 2 and onto Lubang Probang

    5 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Earlier departure and more crowded bought. Yet sunny day as we continue winding our way downstream. Very isolated villages along the way though seem to be building roads all along the river. Arrive about 7 hours later and schlep our stuff up steep steps. Manage to ring our way into crowded city without our typical navigation tools (our global internet seems to neglect Laos). Find our hotel and out for nice French-Lao dinner.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    View out hotel window
    Our bikes strapped on topVery hilly around this areaFriendship BridgeCrowded boat. Lots of internal backpackersRapids and eddysImpromptu waterfallsOur boat was a bit stuck and local ladies pushed usSkies did clearVery cute village girlsPakbeng streetView from our hotel. Bikes still there

    Crusing down the Mekong

    4 ottobre, Laos ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Oddly, the skies darken after we wake up. And then the skies open. Crazy storm that lasts almost an hour and delays our departure to the boat dock. Finally able to go; get our tickets, load our bikes on top and grab some food before boarding boat. Wait quite awhile as it fills to capacity and then set sail. Cruise along at 16 mph - passing little villages perched in the hillside. Spend the next 6 hours reading and watching the world go by. Definitely ready to get off at the point we dock. Arrive at Pakbeng and our hotel is very conveniently located to the dock. Take a short walk through small village before dinner.Leggi altro

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Same poses but very different looking

    Laos

    3 ottobre, Laos ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Pack up and head for the “Friendship Bridge” and the border with Laos. Unable to ride across the bridge; instead crossing in a shuttle bus. Manage passport control fairly easily. And just like that - new country. And we are back to riding on the right. Forget this a few times on our short ride into Huayxai. Check out the boat dock for tomorrow and then find our hotel. Walk onto local Wat and meander a bit in this town though quite hot and not much to see. Out for our first dinner in Laos. Side note - Laos is a communist country.Leggi altro

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