I left from where Google maps says Kenue Kang. I obviously looked at the map before I left. I obviously confused myself while looking at it and had stuck in my mind that the road to Ban Cheung was Highway 10. To be fair, I had been reviewing a journal on CGOAB and the guy stuck close to the river. I had looked at the map before leaving and saw I could also stick close to the river for a short bit before cutting over to what was not Highway 10. I remember thinking, wow, this highway really isn't that busy which is why people say it's better than the main route on Highway 13. Then, I see dirt road up ahead and think I've missed a turn so I stop and check my map. Yep, time to backtrack about a mile. Stop and check my map again. What? I missed the turn again? I stop at a store and figure I need a little break anyways and there are some stairs I can sit on. So as I'm sitting there and realized my mistake and trying to decide what to do the guy in the shop brings me out a stool and a cold water telling me, "free." That was very thoughtful of him. I did have sweat pouring off of me and maybe he saw me go by the other way and now I'm back. Ha ha.
Yes, I was a bit frustrated with such a mistake, but I quickly moved on and just said I'd have to deal with it. RideWithGPS, please don't let me down! I had managed to arrange a possible Warmshowers for tonight, but said I'd check in with them mid-morning as I wasn't sure how my day was going to play out. They wouldn't be home from work until 5:30 so I knew I had all day to get to Vientiane. Well, here I go, I'm taking the scenic route.
And by scenic route I mean this! In the past this would have made me a little scared. Remote roads and villages with only the locals around. But after my Africa trip, I have a new confidence I didn't have before.
This lady, the shop owner, came over and gave my arm a squeeze indicating I was strong and she was impressed. Aww, thanks. Got to love the minion apron as well (which I didn't notice until later when I reviewed the picture)
I'm heading down the steep hill to catch the ferry, but wait ... the second snake of the day is crossing the road by me. Let me get a picture! I think this guy might be a harmless rat snake.
After lunch, I was on Highway 10 the rest of the way into Vientiane. No mistaking it. It was very busy, but I had a pretty decent shoulder the whole way. It did start to get a little hot out this afternoon, but I arrived in Vientiane in good spirits. Found another Amazon Cafe and while there took a chance and googled McDonald's. Hey, I have a few hours to kill. No such luck, but found another burger place with good reviews. I detoured to the river front first expecting it to be a hopping place.
Stumbled across Patuxay - Victory Monument. Per Wikipedia, it was dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France.
I had learned there's not really a lot of touristy things to see in this city. I had thought about going to the COPE visitor center/museum which is a museum dedicated to providing prosthetic limbs to people affected by UXO. (Unexploded bombs from the war.) Since I had seen the UXO museum in Luang Prabang, I decided not to go. Did you know Laos was he most heavily bombed country back then? They were trying to disrupt the supply chain to Vietnam so it couldn't be used against American troops. The people of Laos pay the price to this day.
On to happier subjects. I arrived a little early at my WS place so I hung out on a street corner nearby figuring I'd see them go by.
Michael arrived home first and got me situated and eventually I headed off to a shower. Jenni came home not too much later. This couple works for a NGO and recently accepted a new contract in Laos. It amazes me. They are Australian, but have spent a number of years in Nepal, Papau New Guinea and other countries. It was great chatting with them about what they do. A couple of French cyclists were also slated to arrive tonight and all of us had a great dinner that Jenni cooked up. It was so nice to be around other people tonight. I stayed up later than usual chatting and I was feeling very tired. My 40 mile day wore me out!
Today's ride: 40 miles (64 km) Total: 460 miles (740 km)
