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The Grand Adventure
  • Helene Rimberg
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  • Helene Rimberg

The Grand Adventure

A bike trip with no end Les mer
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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Lots of Wats in Champasak
    Lots of Wats in ChampasakFor more info on Vat PhouLove doorwaysPlumeria treesVery steep and skinny stepsNot a happy camperNot a tan

    Vat Phou

    17. mars, Laos ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Opt to stay on the west side of the river so that we can visit Vat Phou, an ancient Khmer site from 12th century. Explore the ruins set up into the hillside. Day is becoming hazy but still have good views into the valley. Pedal on into the heat. Have a bit of a breeze which is helpful. Not much in the way of stores or services do put together a meager lunch. Our road abruptly turns into dirt, sand, and craters. Struggle along for 15 miles slowly. And amazingly it turns back to asphalt for the final 5 miles. Roll up to a hotel, check in and soak up some A/C. Luckily they also have a restaurant.Les mer

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    Back to Laos and the Mekong river

    16. mars, Laos ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Early start to get some miles done when it’s cooler. Seven miles down the road come to Thailand and Laos border. Get stamped out of Thailand and then need to procure our visas for Laos. Pass on through and out the other side. Immediately notice differences - road is much worst and lots of litter. Attempts of find an 🏧 that wants to give us money. No luck. Carry on. Head south at the Mekong river and make our way to Champasak - a historic town full of Wats and old building. Check in (no A/C) but manage to cool down walk to very good dinner by the river.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Restoring to daytime mode
    Restoring to daytime modeNice breakfast to power usPlumeria tree

    Towards the Laos border

    15. mars, Thailand ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Manage to get ok sleep though a bit bumpy. Roll out of our beds before our stop so they can put the cabin back in daytime mode. Arrive in Ubon Ratchathani nice and early. Stop for a nice cappuccino and breakfast and head east towards the border. Nice road with a wide shoulder most of the time. Day heats up and struggle a bit towards the end. Land at a hotel hot and tired. Get cleaned up, rest and walk to a meh dinner.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Canal-side street
    Canal-side streetCheap water stationFound a fun gallerySo many people dressed upMy berthPulls down from wall

    Wat Arun and a train journey

    14. mars, Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Last day in Bangkok. Fortunately we are able to leave our loaded bikes at the hotel so we can spend a bit more time exploring. Wind our way to Wat Arun. We had walked by it last time but not made it in. Although we had planned to get there early this did not happen. The Wat was very busy; mostly with people dressed up in traditional clothes getting their instagram photos taken. Pretty annoying - though it is a very beautiful structure. Head back to our hotel and ride towards the train station. Once we got ourselves to the right side of the building had a very smooth process to roll out fully loaded bikes onto the train. Find our sleeper car and climb into our Murphy bed-like berths.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    View from our hotel room
    View from our hotel roomBeautiful royal headdressCute in a scary kind of waySpecialized fans are key for specific eventsThailand has been influenced by many religionsQueen Mother recently died. Many tributes to her as they are in a year long mourning period

    A return to the National Museum

    13. mars, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Spend a bit of time sorting out our train travel. Need to extend our time in Bangkok because of limited sleeping car availability. Need to switch hotels so pack up. I head back to National Museum to finish exploring as our visit last time was cut short by rain and closing time. Great collection of royal regalia. And as always, many Buddhas. Return to new hotel ad Doug had moved us over. Cool down and then off to dine by canal. Wander through night scene as we search for ice cream.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Nice cycle path with Wat in the background
    Nice cycle path with Wat in the backgroundSkies opened up just as we were leaving bike shopSo many canals in Bangkok!

    Back to Bangkok

    12. mars, Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Finish our ride into Bangkok, most of it along the newly developed canal cycle way. It’s still a work in progress as at times it abruptly ends or goes up steep steps. Check into hotel, drop our bikes off for servicing and wander around Chinatown. Duck into malls a few times to escape heat. Pick bikes back up and return to the hotel. Nice dinner out. We are enjoying our return to Thai food.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Goodbye Sri Lanka
    Goodbye Sri Lanka

    Hello Thailand - again

    11. mars, Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 34 °C

    Very early wake up; but the Uber driver we scheduled the night before shows up on time. First hurdle completed. At the airport do a bit of reorganization to lower the weights of our boxes. Get them all checked in - check! Relax a bit before boarding the short flight to Bangkok. After that it all goes a bit awry. Security takes forever and our bikes need some extra love after being boxed for so long. Leave the airport at 4:00 with 24 miles to go. Do our best to hustle but it gets dark and we get tired. Find a nearby hotel and just pay for 2 hotels for the night. Do find a good Thai restaurant for dinner.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    Transition day

    10. mars, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    After packing up, took a TukTuk to the bus towards Colombo, then an Uber to pick up our stuff and then a big van to get to a homestay near airport. When we arrived the power was out so quite toasty packing up our boxes. Fortunately it came back quickly and we finished up. Ate dinner at our garden homestay and went o bed early.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Deserted beach
    Deserted beachSwimming in a foot of waterThey sell greens for people to feed themNo one fishing on the stilts todayTurtle hatching groundBabies awaiting release

    A long stroll along the beach

    9. mars, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Take advantage of low tide and out south along the beach. Pass through empty beach’s on the way to Turtle Beach. And as promised, turtles everywhere! Do a bit of snorkeling amongst the rocks as well. Continue our walk, occasionally having to divert onto the road as the tide was coming in and eliminating what beach there was. Stop along the rock pools of Talpe beach and admire the incoming tide. TukTuk back.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Well maintained cricket fieldOld buildings, many being used for different purposesLife guard wannabesSmart pussycatView from dirt wallsNo idea what these are but very funPulling in a very big net full of fish.

    Galle Fort

    8. mars, Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Take a TukTuk back to Galle to explore the historic Dutch/ British fort and town. Hasn’t been in a walked city for awhile! Quite nice architecture and a beautiful coastline. Quite hot though. Walk along the water, stopping to get food and fresh fish. TukTuk back and try a different area for snorkeling. Enjoy a tasty tuna dinner!Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    More planning and beach time

    7. mars, Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Spent the morning going around in circles, considering and reconsidering our travel options. Finally gave it a rest and hit the beach. “Bought”
    Sun chars by buying lunch and spent the rest of the day there. Did a bit of snorkeling; immediately seeing a turtle but only one small fish. Walk to the market to get dinner food and cook in the outdoor kitchen.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    Packing and a train ride south

    6. mars, Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Need to vacate the apartment but the owner is allowing us to store our stuff making us more nimble. Catch a ride to Colombo and then a train to Galle. Quite crowded and we didn’t spring for first class; meaning we stood for 2 hours. Oh well. Tuk tuk to Unawatuna beach. Go for a beach walk and get another turtle release. Stop for dinner at beachfront restaurantLes mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Still lit up for Lunar New Year
    Still lit up for Lunar New YearMy 'bed'

    And I am back

    5. mars, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Another 4 airports, 3 planes and 4 lounges and I am back in Sri Lanka. Besides just being long, all went fine. Had a brief visit to the storage locker in Singapore to pick up our excess gear. Arrived at our apartment hot and tired. Middle East “operation” has disrupted our plan to go to Greece thus spent the afternoon trying to piece together another one. Landed on a return to Thailand to further explore and await a quick resolution (ha).Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    One last TukTuk ride

    11. februar, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Attempt to find waterfalls/swim holes on the way back though end up on some very small and rough roads. Do get to put our toes in and are treated to a fishie foot massage. Finish the ride, return to the apartment and get ready for my very long journey back to Portland. Doug will stay in Sri Lanka while I tend to family.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    5500 of these suckers
    5500 of these suckersOne has to ring bell for number of times hikedWaiting in the cold

    Hiking Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak)

    10. februar, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Up at 2:00 to hike the 3.5 miles/1000 meters/5500 steps UP. This mountain is a very popular pilgrimage, supposedly with Buddha’s footprint on top. Goal is to get up before sunrise. Very steep, paved walk comprised mostly of stairs. It tops out over 7000 feet so altitude was a bit of a factor. Many shops and tea houses line the path and it’s lit. People of all ages climb, many in flip flops or bare feet. We make it up with plenty of time before sunrises. Mostly clear sky makes for great views. Down is easier but still a challenge. Stop for a good breakfast before taking a nap. Later going to search of a swimming hole. Not accessible but do drive through pretty tea plantations.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Nice riverVery clear water with lots of fishiesBack to tea and mountains"Trailhead"

    To Adams Peak we go

    9. februar, Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    With a few days left before I head home for family matters, decide to squeeze on more adventure in - a hike up Adams Peak. Back to TukTuk rentals we go to pick up our green TukTuk this time. Long drive back into the mountains, stopping briefly to cool off in the river. Arrive in the town of Nallathanniya and find our homestay. Walk into town to find tomorrow’s trailhead. Get an early dinner and in bed by 8:00.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Mother daughter love
    Mother daughter loveAll our brunch friends

    A return to Negombo

    7. februar, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Doug offers to drive the TukTuk back by himself, allowing us more beach time. Have one last snorkel and enjoy the beach before catching a TukTuk to catch a bus to catch an Uber to the apartment. Hannah and Maddie quickly pack up and head to the airport. So ends another successful family vacation!Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Building another moat

    Another beach day

    6. februar, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Decide to toot over to another beach to check out the snorkeling. Head to Polhena where there is very little beach but calm water and turtles. Water does get a bit rougher as tide comes in yet still see fun fish and turtles. Nice, relaxing day. Out for a very good dinner - last in Mirissa.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Lots of novice snorkel ears chasing turtles
    Lots of novice snorkel ears chasing turtlesLovely brunchHannah found a friendBlockade against rising tideI think these became evening torchesEvening lights on Marissa beach

    In search of the best snorkel spot

    5. februar, Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    Organize early to get some snorkeling in during low tide. First spot is way too shallow so move over to where all the people are on Turtle Beach. Do spot a turtle and some nice patches of purple coral. Have a nice brunch before walking to Secret Beach. Spend the rest of the day snorkeling, relaxing amd watching the tide come in. Stop for a drink at Freedom Beach and then walk back along the beach. Nice seafood dinner.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    To the beach we go

    4. februar, Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Roll ourselves down our steep hill, and pile in to our TukTuk for a long trip to the coast. Pass by pretty waterfalls as we descend down and around more hairpin turns. Although it’s Independence Day, don’t really see signs of a big national holiday. Stop at a beach for a break and a snack. Rain clouds sneak in, creating an afternoon downpour. It’s short lasting and we finish the drive to Marissa, our beach destination. Go for a walk and come upon a turtle release. Out for a good but pricey dinner (we are in a resort town).Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg
    Another walk along active train tracksSmall people atop Ella RockTop of the waterfallVery old templeCave paintingsMaddie finally got her king coconutTea time!

    Ella Rock

    3. februar, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Power up on breakfast and walk up to train tracks. Join the line of others heading to the same place. Quite a bit of up before the end and get nice views from the ridge overlooking the valley. Scramble down a different way in search of waterfalls. Wind up at a less than interesting cave and ancient temple. Walk back, pick up TukTuk and drive through tea fields and factory. Do a little tea tasting, learning a bit about the process as well.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    Ella & a train track walk

    2. februar, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Very short drive out of the mountains towards hills. Roads are quite small and windy but we cover the 40 km pretty quickly. Found our hotel who’s is up an incredibly steep hill making for a beautiful view of the hills and a waterfall. Head off on a walk to the 9 Arches Bridge - an impressive train bridge. Walk along the tracks back to town. Return to our hotel and relax on the lovely deck. Nice dinner in town, finished off with gelato.Les mer

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  • Helene RimbergThe Grand AdventureHelene Rimberg

    Horton’s Plains National Park

    1. februar, Sri Lanka ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Get an early start to try and arrive at Workds End before the clouds typically descend. Steep climb up in the TukTuk. Quite chilly at the trailhead as it’s quite exposed. Have our breakfast and set off into the plains. Lots of open space aft first before entering the forest. Arrive at Worlds End, a sheer drop off. Watch clouds and mist swirl about but do get a lot of clear moments. Go pasr Bakers Falls and finish off our hike. Maddie and I opt to hike down Devils Staircase. End up hiking quite a ways to meet up with Doug. Beautiful scenery even encased in clouds. Chill for remainder of the day and enjoy our well deserved dinner.Les mer

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