Day 34 - Wind - Trial by fire: new bike, first tour, first time in Asia

November 28, 2024

Day 34 - Wind

I never thought I would be happy to see Hwy 13 again. And I wasn't really happy, but it certainly was good to get off the road we were on. But I get ahead of myself.

We woke in our estate to a clear day, 15 km from Savannakhet. It was an easy and pleasant ride into town.

Much power comes across the Mekong from Thailand.

We searched for a breakfast place in Savanakhet that might have good coffee and we were successful there. Oddly, the music playing was Christmas carols and hymns. Can I never escape this? That's when the wind started to blow.

Then we headed south along the river again, taking a few photos in the heart of town as we cycled.

You're never far from a temple or a cable.

I guess he is the guardian of the bridge.

I have no idea what these guys represent.

The wind's always there, and often pushed us along. As our direction changed it came as a broadside; still manageable. We rode along quiet rural roads parallel to the river, but it was seldom in sight.

Every so often there was a mansion. It makes you wonder!

We were close to the Mekong and caught the occasional glimpse.

It's good to at least see signs about conservation projects.

What are these hillocks that resemble termite mounds? It appears that someone has been sifting something. What? Why?

We came to a decision point where we could continue southwards, or turn east to get back to the main highway. We would eventually have to do this, but it meant riding directly into the wind. A sign to The Stone House - 15 km, and the wind, sent us on to the south.

The road was mostly paved, oddly, the approach to every little bridge was dirt. They were rough, too.

I worked out that during the rainy season these creeks flood and likely wash out the bridge approaches.

Approaches to bridges were always dirt - and dusty.

We finally reached the Stone House, and it was more impressive than I had expected. It was a ruin of a Hindu temple from about the 7th century that had later been adopted by Buddhists and undergone several attempts at restoration. It could certainly do with another!

I thought the most interesting parts were the carved pieces, one of which appeared to be a Naga.

These three school girls were curious about us and wanted to take videos of the strange foreigners. I gave each of them one of Ginger's buttons.

It was eventually time to turn into the wind. The navigation was a bit tricky and the road to Highway 13 - 16 km away, a challenge. First, we had to ride east to a village and make a left hand turn.

We sensed that we had missed the turn and this fellow pointed us in the right direction.

A touring cyclist surveys the road ahead.

The headwind was relentless. Even Hwy 13 was a welcome sight.

It looks far smoother and less sandy than it actually is.

These children stopped kicking a ball to have their photo taken

Rice mills suggested that the highway was close.

The day was getting long by the time we found a guesthouse.

A fine way to market your corrugated iron.

They brought a brazier of charcoal and put an odd pan on it. They put some water around the edge, then brought noodles and vegetables, eggs and mushrooms. I ordered meat, and we cooked at the table. It was a welcome dinner after a long day.

Today's ride: 99 km (61 miles)
Total: 1,836 km (1,140 miles)

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