March 30th: Kuala Rompin to Mersing – 60.65km
Day 168
Odors of rotting garbage, and decaying roadkill intensified by the hot humid weather have assaulted our noses for much of Southeast Asia. Unlike many more developed places where we have regular garbage service, many people here can’t afford or don’t have it. So they either dump it along the road or burn it. Malaysia has given us a break though and there is very little garbage along the roadside.
We cycled through Gunung Arong Recreational Forest today and were treated to a variety of delicious smells along a brand new swath of blacktop. Sadly I have no idea what any of the plants, vines or flowers are called. With some gently rolling hills we did have some work, but the day went quickly, and at noon we were in Mersing, where we checked into the Embassy Hotel. A good value, clean and with Wi-Fi. I did have to carry the trikes up a flight of stairs but at least they were safe.
Greeting for European cyclists Only? We feel left out.