The 1000 Day Holiday

Warning: another Chicken was hurt, Im sure I hit a big green snake but it got away & I almost scored piglet ribs for dinner

Day 1.. Phonsavan to Nam Nuen

Back onto the main roads for the next 2 days. Great views as the road climbed around the hilltops. Bummer that the road is 1 lane wide meaning the trucks and buses coming around blind corners at you really do take up all the space! “The BOOK” does mention that there is a instant noodle shop in Nam Nuen. I wasn’t sure if they meant that was the only option. But yes it does! There are other restaurants but they cater for the lunchtime buses. So 2 minute noodles it was. 150kms
Day 2.. Nam Nuen to Vieng Kham

Rain was coming and going constantly, so I got out the trust 10c poncho. Full styles. Lots of hill tribes on this road. Some great curves and not as many vehicles as yesterday. dreaming of Dirt! 155km

Day 3.. Vieng Kham to Luang Prabang

Out into the rain again and onto the dirt! (Sam soun – Pak Xeng – LP route) Some views really reminded me of home.. Hills as far as you can see. Nice to be away from the tarmac, and only have to deal with chickens and kids! Its strange, from village to village the response from the kids can be completely opposite. Usually you get Sabadee! (hello) yelled at you with lots of smiles and frantic waving, and the next village the kids think you’ve come from outer space Usually they lighten up but they’re still super wary. Fun can be had with this. As they crowd around looking at whatever it is you’re doing.

For me thats tightening bolts on my luggage rack, and maybe drinking some water.. so when you get a mouthful then suddenly appear that you’re going to spray it in their direction mayhem ensues. The adults find the kids response as amusing as I do

The bike has held up pretty well, apart from the luggage rack. Which was losing at least 1 bolt (of 4) per day, I was actually expecting the whole thing to drop off at some stage. At least this way I have another random thing to add to my pack (an adjustable spanner).

161kms.. Also timed my petrol tank to perfection. running on the reserve fuel for the last 10kms!

Grand total : 1526kms, 1 flat tyre, 2 chickens that dont like dirtbikes, 1 piglet that almost didnt make it home, 2 snakes, 2 bamboo raft river crossings, 1 unintentional swim with the bike, 6 bolts and a very dirty me!

My ass is numb, so its off to get a 2hr massage for $5!