(written by Nancy) Quiet night in our pondside bungalow.  We kept hearing some strange noises and it took us a little while to figure out that what we were hearing was fish jump in the pond  - the bungalow hangs right over the water.  But other than that, we didn't hear a sound.  The water in … Continue reading Highway 13 ramble to Khone Phapheng (101/11,058 ks)

(written by Dave) Today was one of those days that put the Adventure into our “Adventures in Mid-life” trip.  We didn't ride very far but we learned a lot about Laos and eventually ended up at an interesting place to stay.  Due to lack of places to stay in the middle on highway 13 to … Continue reading Short, interesting day to Thangbeng (27/10957 ks)

(written by Dave) Last night for dinner we tried a restaurant that we had read about in Lonely Planet - Frice & Lujane restuarant.  A bit odd for this part of the world but it is a traditional Italian trattoria using 19th century family receipes.  It was actually very delicious food - I had gnocchi and Nancy had lasagna.  … Continue reading Wat Phu and Champasak (20/10,930 ks)

(written by Dave) The mattress on our bed last night felt a little thin in terms of padding between the cover and springs so we got out the sleeping bag liners.  The thinking here was that at least the sheet and blanket would provide some padding.  This was a good call but I'm not sure … Continue reading Short ride to Champasak (35/10,910 ks)

(written by Nancy) First a quick report on dinner last night. We ate our third meal in two days at Mama Pap's cafe. Mama Pap is about 5 feet tall and quite a character. She serves really good food in completely ridiculous portions. I was ready to try something different but with Rene, Hans, Lieneke … Continue reading Return to Pakse and the heat (87/10,875 ks)

(written by Nancy) Today we did almost nothing and here is it 4:30 and we have no idea where the day has gone.  Just a guess but our 4 hours on the resort deck ostensibly eating brekkie may have had a impact on the missing time.  We wanted to spread the maps and guide books out … Continue reading Chilling in Tat Lo

(written by Dave) Today was about us becoming coffee pickers – broadly speaking, it was a success. We hooked up first thing in the morning with our cycling friends Lieneke and Hans, at “Koffie Dick's” coffee stall. Koffie is the Dutch guy who has married a Laos woman and is now working with her and her … Continue reading Coffee picking in Paksong and on to Tat Lo (72/10,788 ks)

(written by Nancy) Well, we tried to get an early start this morning to avoid climbing in the heat but we were foiled by 3, count them 3, flat tires, all on my back tire.  Frustrating but thankfully we did not have a long day.  The first flat happened about 10k from the hotel – … Continue reading Up to the Bolaven Plateau – Pakse to Paksong (56/10,716k)

(Written by Dave) So we've worked out the plan for the next few days. First we are riding east to the Bolaven Plateau for a few days in the highlands. The area was little farmed until the early 20th century when, during French rule, they started clearing the jungle and planting all sorts of things … Continue reading The plan ahead, to Bolaven Plateau