An expedition... - Blogabond

We awoke to sunshine so decided it was time to stop chilling and go on an expedition. Charly nominated herself as expedition leader (EL) and chose the mode of transport as foot, the other option being bicycle. Our itinerary was to walk down the sunset side of Don Det then cross the bridge to Don Khon to see the waterfalls.

The bridge to the other island

We sunscreened up and set off along the track that follows the riverside, although the sun had dried out most of the mud, we soon found ourselves up against a small lake where once was a path.

2 fishing boats

Our fearless EL, went off in to the bush to create a new path around this obstacle. I followed on behind, unworthy……

Trying to avoid the mud

We soon had crossed several obstacles including a large slab of beef and had reached the end of the path along the water. We decided to ask a local guy who strangely offered us a massage (in the middle of nowhere) and then once we declined he asked our ages.

Ducks

Our form of communication was to write in the dirt and we soon learned that this very athletic local guy was 62?! We gave over our ages and he then drew a large clock type thing in the sand and proceeded to tell our fortune. Amused by this we were until he wrote down 10,000Kip or $1. We politely excused ourselves from Mystic Meg and headed inland to find the main road.

Oops

I was quickly reminded of the fact that I was just a lowly “expedition reporter” as I lead us down a path through the rice paddy to a dead end. Under a dark cloud cast by EL we headed back to the junction and took the other choice.

2 Local kids fishing out of a big pond

A little way along we found an old bridge and could see the road, but the paddy had flooded across the road and it was a rather large lake. Whilst EL made her strategy of attack we were joined by Meg who gestured for us to follow him across the lake. We de-shoed and EL headed off guided by Meg and I hung back to watch and enjoy.

An outside oven

I was pretty sure they were going through a deep section when Meg pointed to the water were EL should place her foot. She placed it down, and then down further and further until, oops, there she goes straight in up to her waist.

A bull in our way

Meg dragged her out and once again I had let down the expedition by not having the camera to hand, and by laughing too much to get it.

Locals boys leading a bull

I made my own route and made it through only shins wet, EL was covered in mud and wet. No problem, Meg led us to a nearby guesthouse and took EL to the back. EL came back looking violated, after apparently Meg was very, maybe too keen to give her bum a good wash with hands and hose.

Me after I'd just fallen in

This concluded our expedition and after a short break we walked, EL squelched back to the guesthouse and a nice shower……………………..

written by

chrischarly on August 20, 2011 from Ban Dondet, Laos

from the travel blog: Chris and Charly's Passage through SE Asia

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