Posts Tagged ‘Pong Dong’

Day 250. 71km. Pong Dong – Kasi

Posted: November 7, 2015 in Cycling, Laos
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Steep! Very steep! Cloudy skies, cool temperatures, and a little tailwind made it a bit easier. From 750m to 2050m and down to 650m with lots of uphill intermissions. Coming down was straight and fast – an adrenalin rush. All with the beautiful green, kaarst landscape as a backdrop.

Looking down into the high valley between 2 passes.

Looking down into the high valley between 2 passes.

I lie at the top, on the concrete, facing up into the heavens. I laugh. And laugh. I’ve cycled to Laos. I’ve cycled up this steep, steep road. The view is spectacular. My body feels strong (even if I am knackered). I have made it. I am here. Now. And I am happy.

Meat and veg

Meat and veg

The banana kids

The banana kids

Steep steep

Steep steep

In the morning we were blessed by the monk. His blessing got us over the pass.

In the morning we were blessed by the monk. His blessing got us over the pass.

Day 249. 66km. Luang Prabang – Pong Dong

Posted: November 6, 2015 in Cycling, Laos
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The orange-clad monk beamed with his 3-teeth grin and his wispy 3-haired beard. Opening the door to his living quarters, he pointed to the television blaring in the corner. ‘Waw’ – bull, he chuckled. The crowd on the television, and the monk cheered as the two bulls locked horns. A thumbs-up from the monk. Evening entertainment at the temple.

Mark and the monk

Mark and the monk

Today was a cycle to the bottom of the high pass, and see what the universe provides for accommodation. Mark had sent his tent back home from Luang Prabang, and I had sent home my cooking equipment. We were much lighter, and could speed over the hills, but we couldn’t camp tonight. We knew there was no guesthouse on the way.
No, we couldn’t stay in the little restaurant, or in someone’s shed. The monks were lovely, and set up a sleeping place for us on their verandah. My first time sleeping at a Buddhist temple. ☺

Mark charmed the kids repeatedly in the little villages and at the temple.

The kids

The kids

Today was hilly, and steep in parts. Tomorrow is the big climb that everyone warns us about. Steep, steep, steep, apparently.

Riding to our temple home

Riding to our temple home