Total distance 174 km.
Boun Tai is not the most exciting place as there is only one place worth eating at, so next morning an early start (for us) and what promised to be the best views in Laos if the mist would lift.
After the short paved section of the 1B turning through the quarry area we quickly climbed to get this amazing view.
Every turn producing better and better views.
As we entered the mist the moisture still hanging on the cobweb’s.
Des wishing he hadn’t packed his waterproof at the bottom of his bag.
Sun trying to break through, highest elevation reached on this trail was 1800m.
Some sections a little greasy.
We reached this small village, the first washing point i have seen in Laos with a privacy screen.
Lady with a multitude of silver.
I dished out some toy’s and sweets to the kids, gratefully received.
Sporadic glimpses of the sunshine to warm our bones.
Then back into the mist.
A lot of different hill tribes in this area, these people very shy of the farang.
More great views.
New school with commanding views.
OI000150 by Bob Kelly, on FlickrPicture postcard village.
Same village from a distance.
More views.
Starting to drop down towards the Nam Ou.
Some ruts after the rainy season.
First glimpse of the river.
We reached to the boat landing Pounce had visited last December hoping the boat would be waiting, no luck, we had no voice sims in our phones and the lady in the makeshift shop had no credit on her phone to call the boat so we had no choice to wait it out.
After an hour or so i began to consider riding back the way we had came as we saw no sign of a boat.
After what seamed like a dog’s age he arrived.
Reversing the bikes in was entertaining.
Finally underway.
Approaching the new dam.
Getting off was easier than getting on.
We had planned to take the old trail to the left of the boat landing but that is now under water.
Our taxi off in search of new prey.
The dam in full service, looks way different from my last visit.
We found a new road that may connect with the old trail so we decided to investigate.
Great views from here.
Steep greasy surface as they grade out the new road.
In the sun shine it was easier.
We had talked to the construction workers and they said it was not complete but we tried as far as this and turned back.
You can see from the map it should connect.
Strange new bridge just north of Samphan that goes nowhere, a lot of investment for nothing.
South of Samphan a new hydro station.
Just south another new bridge almost complete.
Reached Khua in good time so time for a small sandwich.
A quick tour of town i noticed many of the old back roads are now paved.
This house heading for the river.
The old suspension bridge now excludes motorcycles.
Nice new hotel almost finished on the old ferry slipway.
Our Gh on the river side.
Still a small town feel to this place.
Tea drying in the sun.
Confluence of the two rivers.
1 comment:
Spectacular report.
A couple of pics wouldn't open Bob.
At first I was thinking the report could have been titled 'Gorillas in the Mist'!
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