Beasts in Jungle

February 7th: Mae Tha District to Chumphu – 46.3km

Feb 8, 2014

Day 117

We woke up early to take advantage of the cool morning for our long ascent. Within an hour and some very cool temperatures we crested the summit, barely breaking a sweat and were breezing down the other side with our hands and feet numbed by the morning chill. Travelling south, the rising sun cast a shadow on the west side of the road, so we spent the morning travelling in and out of sunny spots during breaks in the trees, hoping to get warm, but not daring to stop while gravity was doing our work for us.

Since we were still getting back into cycling shape and my buttocks was aching, I wanted to stop early and we found a slightly expensive bungalow that offered free bread and coffee. I promised myself that we would abscond enough bread, jam, butter and coffee to make up for the budget.

Looking at our map there may or may not be a hotel at around 89 kms tomorrow, a little over half way to the next big town. Preparing for the possibility of camping we bought some instant noodles for dinner at the local 7-11, where Cher pointed out that I looked like a crazy hobo. I guess that’s a compliment and a relief to her parents knowing that I am willing to go the extra mile to scare off any would-be attackers.