Late morning during my climb to Willow Creek Pass (at 9,621 feet) I ran into Kees, a cyclist from Holland who had left Washington DC on April 2nd. For a fellow in his 60's he was moving very quickly. He had worked in advertising for many years, retired early, and took up biking eleven years ago. He has ridden all over the world including Europe, Turkey, and South-East Asia. He told me that in Vietnam one has to be very careful while asking for directions. If you ask if you are going the right way, the locals consider it rude to tell you anything but yes. Instead you must ask the question several different ways. " Is this the way to Saigon" - "Yes" - "Is there perhaps a second road to Saigon" - "Ahh yes, turn around!"
The landscape today was phenomenal. The sun illuminated the snow-capped mountains, and the wind was pleasantly non-existent. The last few hours I spent on an enormous plain leading up to Walden. After spending dinner listening to Kees' amazing stories I set up the tent in the town park, and can barely keep awake. Wonderful day.
gorgeous pictures!! looks amazing... def breathtaking!
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