March 10 / MC. problems dominate completely
Huong Khe – Son Trach 150 km.
Yesterday the sun shone nice most of the day. Today it's gray and foggy.
During the night, MC. leaked either oil or gasoline. I can see that dripping comes entirely from the fuel tank.
There was fortunately a workshop close to the hotel. When they discover that it was the tank that was leaking, they would not have anything with my motorbike to do. I tried to get them to tell me where I could get it sealed. One of the mechanics can see my problem. He helps me to find the leak and then he uses the lightning contact glue 502 mixed with ash to give it some fullness.
During the night, MC. leaked either oil or gasoline. I can see that dripping comes entirely from the fuel tank.
There was fortunately a workshop close to the hotel. When they discover that it was the tank that was leaking, they would not have anything with my motorbike to do. I tried to get them to tell me where I could get it sealed. One of the mechanics can see my problem. He helps me to find the leak and then he uses the lightning contact glue 502 mixed with ash to give it some fullness.
Just off the seat, the idea now sealed with contact mixed with ash
After 20 kilometers drive, I just wanted to check all the light, for safety's sake, I discover that the spring, which will light up when I use the foot brakes failed. I note that the tank still dripping. So I stop at a new workshop 20 km. later, when he made the spring I also got him to seal the tank a little better again.
A new spring system be designed as he has no original spring
After 50 km. driving, I had chosen to run a small road that runs parallel to Ho Chi Minth Trail. When I had driven a few kilometers. at this and require shifting sounded an awful metallic crunch transmit sound and it was impossible to shift gears when it was blocked, so I had to stop. It was the chain that was directly broken. A few days before, I heard a noise, a short distance from the chain when I was up to speed.
I probably should have been aware of the alarming sound from the chain. It tried to tell me that it should be tightened. The chain had blocked the gear, so I could not push it to a repair shop and was there a village nearby? I could not let MC. stand alone with all the luggage.
There was fortunately a person on a bicycle past that I stopped. With gestures I put him into the problem. He found out that the chain was not only broken, with but also directly destroyed. With sign language I asked him if he could call on his mobile to the local motorbike mechanic and get him to come out to my Honda. This situation I had experienced, few times in India.
How far was there to the nearest MC workshop was I thinking?
He shouted to some people who had turned up further along the road. They shouted something back. I understand that the other person had called up via there mobile to the local motorbike mechanic who would come out to my MC.
It did not take more than 10 minutes. then came the mechanic driving on his little scooter. He had some tools with so he could loosen the chain.
I was then pushed 4 km. to his small workshop. He had a new chain in the chain link size. But the chain was to short, so he found an old piece with the same part size. He managed to get the chain put together. It cost me 22$
I probably should have been aware of the alarming sound from the chain. It tried to tell me that it should be tightened. The chain had blocked the gear, so I could not push it to a repair shop and was there a village nearby? I could not let MC. stand alone with all the luggage.
There was fortunately a person on a bicycle past that I stopped. With gestures I put him into the problem. He found out that the chain was not only broken, with but also directly destroyed. With sign language I asked him if he could call on his mobile to the local motorbike mechanic and get him to come out to my Honda. This situation I had experienced, few times in India.
How far was there to the nearest MC workshop was I thinking?
He shouted to some people who had turned up further along the road. They shouted something back. I understand that the other person had called up via there mobile to the local motorbike mechanic who would come out to my MC.
It did not take more than 10 minutes. then came the mechanic driving on his little scooter. He had some tools with so he could loosen the chain.
I was then pushed 4 km. to his small workshop. He had a new chain in the chain link size. But the chain was to short, so he found an old piece with the same part size. He managed to get the chain put together. It cost me 22$
An almost new chain was put on
I drove eased ahead and feel incredibly lucky, because it was miraculously successful, to solve all these accidents with MC. without much drama. I think even that I in all situations, took it very calmly. I've also been out for many similar situations before, so these accidents could not turn me off course.
Now there should not be done more accidents with Honda. Since it is not so much money they take for their work, it is to live with. At the same time you was serviced immediately, because they know that you are on the road ahead and therefore nat can wait for the following day.
Now there should not be done more accidents with Honda. Since it is not so much money they take for their work, it is to live with. At the same time you was serviced immediately, because they know that you are on the road ahead and therefore nat can wait for the following day.
'An accident usually comes not only'
After running 30 km. further, the engine died again. I had just crossed a bridge and stopped perfectly just by a small truck workshop. Honda is dead. No electricity connection. Again I stop right where there are some who are willing to help one.
The young people from the workshop, begin to find out what power failure could result. They check all electrical connections and there are quite numerous. Eventually after much searching they find a loose connection at the generator. The young people would not have anything for their help. I starters MC and move on, hopefully not to the next workshop.
The young people from the workshop, begin to find out what power failure could result. They check all electrical connections and there are quite numerous. Eventually after much searching they find a loose connection at the generator. The young people would not have anything for their help. I starters MC and move on, hopefully not to the next workshop.
The mist will be during the day to light rain
Although MC workshops have swallowed some hours, I try to keep my current plan to reach the town of Son Track where the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park is located. The area is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Here there are 65 km. caves and underground rivers.
I want to arrive before dark, so I didn't stop on the rest of the trip to take some photos.
The last 70 km. I run in a light mist that becomes more and more rain.
Fortunately, Ho Chi Minh road was perfect to run on even in fog since there was very few oncoming traffic.
Just before I reach the town of Son Trach I saw from the main road a hotel sign, as I drive by. It's nothing special room, but I took it. I didn't have the energy to search for better in this weather. I need just to get dry. My leather boots completely soaked, since I had not taken my rain protector boots on this journey.
It took 3 days before the boots were drying out, because the next day was also overcast skies with light mist.
I want to arrive before dark, so I didn't stop on the rest of the trip to take some photos.
The last 70 km. I run in a light mist that becomes more and more rain.
Fortunately, Ho Chi Minh road was perfect to run on even in fog since there was very few oncoming traffic.
Just before I reach the town of Son Trach I saw from the main road a hotel sign, as I drive by. It's nothing special room, but I took it. I didn't have the energy to search for better in this weather. I need just to get dry. My leather boots completely soaked, since I had not taken my rain protector boots on this journey.
It took 3 days before the boots were drying out, because the next day was also overcast skies with light mist.
It can be demanding and difficult to be vegetarian
Here in Son Trach I meet a lot Backpackers. So many restaurants had adapted to the young tourists' needs and wishes of vegetarian dishes. So here I could also order vegetarian sandwich steaks for lunch and muesli for breakfast with milk.
On the few hotels I could get scrambled eggs and a few slices of bread for breakfast food. But mostly, I could not have breakfast in the hotels I've stayed, because I'm usually the only guest.
At many of the small traders, I could buy the small sweet fruit yoghurt which I have eaten in the morning. In some cities, I could buy small flute and if I was very lucky too soft cream cheese Buko. So I could make a cheese sandwich for lunch, complete with carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes and various different fruits.
The days I drive, I take a lunch break at the roadside where there is little scenery and views to enjoy. It is also a godsend, being able to hear the total silence after shutting one's MC. motor. Stretching the body and get rid of some tension. Man buckles automatically when you drive MC. and the faster you drive, the more prepared you need to be mentally and physically, for it is as I said, not without danger.
Here in Vietnam, you may only drive 30-40 km. in the cities and on other roads 40-60 km. Therefore, there are few that drive faster than 60-70 km. even on the major highways. I must admit that my MC sneaks up on the 80 sometimes on the big roads.
On the few hotels I could get scrambled eggs and a few slices of bread for breakfast food. But mostly, I could not have breakfast in the hotels I've stayed, because I'm usually the only guest.
At many of the small traders, I could buy the small sweet fruit yoghurt which I have eaten in the morning. In some cities, I could buy small flute and if I was very lucky too soft cream cheese Buko. So I could make a cheese sandwich for lunch, complete with carrots, cucumbers and tomatoes and various different fruits.
The days I drive, I take a lunch break at the roadside where there is little scenery and views to enjoy. It is also a godsend, being able to hear the total silence after shutting one's MC. motor. Stretching the body and get rid of some tension. Man buckles automatically when you drive MC. and the faster you drive, the more prepared you need to be mentally and physically, for it is as I said, not without danger.
Here in Vietnam, you may only drive 30-40 km. in the cities and on other roads 40-60 km. Therefore, there are few that drive faster than 60-70 km. even on the major highways. I must admit that my MC sneaks up on the 80 sometimes on the big roads.
Gnarled trees photographed on the road up to Paradise Cave
March 11 I drove 25 km. out to Paradise Cave. Today again it was overcast. The walk up the mountain and then the many stairs was very demanding. Subsequently, an addition down the wooden stairs inside the huge giant and fascinating cathedral-like cave which seemed to be continued indefinitely.
One can not on the photo see the enormous depth and size the cave have, as they have lit cave with an incredible number of halogen lamps
One can not on the photo see the enormous depth and size the cave have, as they have lit cave with an incredible number of halogen lamps
If you tap on a photo, you get all the photos up in big size
March 12 also seemed to be an overcast day, I took a boat out to Phong Nha Caves. When we reached the cave, they stopped fortunately for the noisy engines and rowed the boat, like a gondola, silently into this magical underworld of stalactites holes. After a beautiful boat ride we were dropped off and continued walking out of the cave.
Then I had to go far up the hillside to see the cave Tien Son Cave. Again a great experience.
View from the mountain at Tien Son Cave
Tang Ky Homestay
I left first Son Track 12 am. because I would be sure not again, having to drive in the rain.
At one point I took a wrong road. So I came up close to the border with Laos, before I discovered the error. I had driven 35 km. wrong. These 35 km. was the pure mountain driving with incredibly sharp turns and big road climbs and down runs.
After driving almost 200 km. mountain driving recognized the extra 70 km. I was well worn. I had arrived at a very small town Tang Ky. According to the map I figured that it was larger than the 30 visible houses.
I had hoped it had a hotel, so I stopped and asked if there was a hotel. No, but there was a cafe that had a kind of Hostel and Homestay.
This Ho Chi Minth stretch of road with very few villages, I had the first 50 km. only met a few oncoming backpacker. I only meet about 10 oncoming over 100km. Surprisingly, even though it is Sunday.
I have now been here in Vietnam for 3 weeks and had moved down to the middle of Vietnam and has now made half of my trip and first now I got a bit more specific, intimate physical eye to eye with the locals.
This primitive Hostel could offer me a mattress in a large room where there already slept two local. I said nicely thank you for the hotel option, but it did not live up properly for my minimum requirements for aesthetics, so I decided to drive on.
On the map I could see that I had to drive nearly 100 km. more before I would reach a larger city that had perhaps a hotel. It would be dark before I arrived. Already I was well worn out after 200 km. mountain drive.
It was probably best that I listened to my body and my reason and not to my delicate aesthetic luxury I. I said yes to the hotel option. It would also give me the opportunity to get a little closer to the locals.
At one point I took a wrong road. So I came up close to the border with Laos, before I discovered the error. I had driven 35 km. wrong. These 35 km. was the pure mountain driving with incredibly sharp turns and big road climbs and down runs.
After driving almost 200 km. mountain driving recognized the extra 70 km. I was well worn. I had arrived at a very small town Tang Ky. According to the map I figured that it was larger than the 30 visible houses.
I had hoped it had a hotel, so I stopped and asked if there was a hotel. No, but there was a cafe that had a kind of Hostel and Homestay.
This Ho Chi Minth stretch of road with very few villages, I had the first 50 km. only met a few oncoming backpacker. I only meet about 10 oncoming over 100km. Surprisingly, even though it is Sunday.
I have now been here in Vietnam for 3 weeks and had moved down to the middle of Vietnam and has now made half of my trip and first now I got a bit more specific, intimate physical eye to eye with the locals.
This primitive Hostel could offer me a mattress in a large room where there already slept two local. I said nicely thank you for the hotel option, but it did not live up properly for my minimum requirements for aesthetics, so I decided to drive on.
On the map I could see that I had to drive nearly 100 km. more before I would reach a larger city that had perhaps a hotel. It would be dark before I arrived. Already I was well worn out after 200 km. mountain drive.
It was probably best that I listened to my body and my reason and not to my delicate aesthetic luxury I. I said yes to the hotel option. It would also give me the opportunity to get a little closer to the locals.
I decided to sleep in this Homestay, there also was the town's cafe and gas station
Cafe owner moves one of the big mattresses from the inhabited corner to the other corner, it wa
Unfortunately, the cafe owner does not make vegetarian and there was no restaurant in the village. But she got two small baguette bread. She could not obtain cheese. She comforted the two pieces of bread. That was my dinner.s my department with its own cool light bulb and a switch connector for charging the computer and mobile. I think I got one of the locals mattresses, so one of them had to sleep on the floor.
Unfortunately, the cafe owner does not make vegetarian and there was no restaurant in the village. But she got two small baguette bread. She could not obtain cheese. She comforted the two pieces of bread. That was my dinner.s my department with its own cool light bulb and a switch connector for charging the computer and mobile. I think I got one of the locals mattresses, so one of them had to sleep on the floor.
I photographed some of the village's wooden houses, before it got dark. There was a small merchant where the cafe owner had bought the bread. So I bought a little food for the next day's long rit.
Here I sit on my flowered plastic sheeting and try the frugal light to see what it's for a great kind of beetle or something like creeping, crawling across the sheet and flowers.
Revellers are beginning to circle around the electric light bulb. And some sit on my glowing computer screen.
My new roommades is very interested in my little notebook / log book with all my notes and what I do on my computer. I show them the photos I just took of their village
The others lay down early to sleep to Vietnamese pop songs. At 12 pm.I let my tired body rest totally on the flowered plastic sheeting. I woke During the night the wind whistled cold on my head. But what could I expect, it was a simple wooden house.
Revellers are beginning to circle around the electric light bulb. And some sit on my glowing computer screen.
My new roommades is very interested in my little notebook / log book with all my notes and what I do on my computer. I show them the photos I just took of their village
The others lay down early to sleep to Vietnamese pop songs. At 12 pm.I let my tired body rest totally on the flowered plastic sheeting. I woke During the night the wind whistled cold on my head. But what could I expect, it was a simple wooden house.
The digital options for transferring positive life-affirming energy
At these many MC.journey I've made the last 10 years, I have traveled alone. I would think it would be great to find a travel companion. But it's hard to find one who thinks it's exciting to travel that way, which I have chosen. I have in my life, somehow chosen to be loner. 'The Lonely Rider' there do it his way.
I have my whole life recognized the value of belonging and friendship. This is where I get through life has taken love, vitality and energy to this type MC.journey where I have the opportunity to explore the world and myself physically and mentally. With my reports and photos, I try through dialogue, in a different way, to communicate with the outside world than I do which Visual artist and theater designer.
As 'Lonely Rider' you also sometimes needs a little charge, an affectionate pat on the back, a realization that one lives, there is someone there watching and listening to you. Notice the beautiful feeling that one's inner spark of life still are intact.
This is where the digital power, showing its positive energy. We can get through touch to your computer or mobile sending thoughts and visual feelings for each other.
For the youth, SMS has become an important lifeline. It is to cut through the positive and negative energy to each other. They can charge and they can corrodes one's energy.
I have enjoyed, receiving greetings on this MC.Journey where I live much with my own thoughts. It's great with some light shoulder flap. A few optimistic words that tells you that you are alive, there is someone there see and listening to you.
I find that almost all Vietnamese feel the same way. They thank me when I have taken a photo of them. They feel they are being heard and seen, they liven up. The children are happy to see themselves on the viewer. They see the cash that they are a part of this new digital world.
I have my whole life recognized the value of belonging and friendship. This is where I get through life has taken love, vitality and energy to this type MC.journey where I have the opportunity to explore the world and myself physically and mentally. With my reports and photos, I try through dialogue, in a different way, to communicate with the outside world than I do which Visual artist and theater designer.
As 'Lonely Rider' you also sometimes needs a little charge, an affectionate pat on the back, a realization that one lives, there is someone there watching and listening to you. Notice the beautiful feeling that one's inner spark of life still are intact.
This is where the digital power, showing its positive energy. We can get through touch to your computer or mobile sending thoughts and visual feelings for each other.
For the youth, SMS has become an important lifeline. It is to cut through the positive and negative energy to each other. They can charge and they can corrodes one's energy.
I have enjoyed, receiving greetings on this MC.Journey where I live much with my own thoughts. It's great with some light shoulder flap. A few optimistic words that tells you that you are alive, there is someone there see and listening to you.
I find that almost all Vietnamese feel the same way. They thank me when I have taken a photo of them. They feel they are being heard and seen, they liven up. The children are happy to see themselves on the viewer. They see the cash that they are a part of this new digital world.
Via a touch on the computer,
I send some positive digital energies
through time and space, here from Vietnam to you!
Love AUM
I send some positive digital energies
through time and space, here from Vietnam to you!
Love AUM
Bjarne v.H.H.Solberg
