Day 23 Loc Vinh to Da Nang









 Well if we were to label today it would be ridiculous to the sublime. We left more or less as soon as we woke up and were on the road by 7.30- the place was so depressing and the rock hard mattress made for a very uncomfortable sleep. We passed through the shabby town after first buying a brioche loaf for breakfast on route. 

Nice quiet roads which ran along the waterfront in places. However our speed seemed to drop as we approached what we knew to be a killer hill and the sun for the first time since Hanoi began to beat down on our backs. The Hi Van pass is just under 10km, around 6 miles all up hill with some very serious steep sections. It was our first series test of man/women and our £150 bikes.

All went well and apart from lower back pain the task was completed successfully by man and machine. Nearing the summit we were passed by Brad our American friend from New Jersey.He sped past me with a mere wave and attached himself to Jen 20 metres up the road- I think she has a new admirer! After a change of top by me and a lovely lipton ice tea at the summit cafe and a wait for the rest of the American group we eventually started our decent- so much fun with magnificent views across the bay to Da Nang. The sun really beating down now- such a lovely change after weeks of damp overcast grey days.

We passed our hotel as we were looking for a more modest abode- it is very very posh and all for £1.30 more than the shit hole we stayed in last night- and we get breakfast! It’s very touristy and one could easily mistake it for a Spanish resort.

Tomorrow we plough on to Hoi An a very doable 15 miles and a 4 night stay- divine

Comments

  1. BruceJanuary 29, 2024 at 5:44 AM

    Great stuff, just caught up with your last few days, all very interesting! I like the sound of some of the characters along the way. Interesting that they seem to ask of your age a lot, does not seem to be considered impolite to ask, as it would be by a stranger in the UK. Lovely photos today, your first one with the mountains, clouds and fishing boats could be a painting. Enjoy your 4 days stay!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2024 at 7:28 AM

      Yes they have no inhibitions- I was asked again today and been asked on numerous occasions the price of the bikes! Yes some beautiful scenery

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2024 at 11:30 PM

    At last, sun, sea and summits. Was the chap with the book offering his love to you Pete?
    I guess the beer tasted like nectar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousJanuary 30, 2024 at 4:34 PM

      The guy appeared from nowhere and started to talk to us in very good English which is unusual over here except in the tourist areas. He had hardly any teeth but had a scrap book filled with memorabilia from other countries mainly different currency and some underground tickets. He asked us for an English coin and commented it didn’t have the kings face in it!

      Delete

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