I felt rough on waking up after a fitful night's sleep. I have developed a cough and flu-like symptoms. I think this is a result of the first days soaking. But the weather wasn't bad; I took a variety of medication and it was onwards to Nha Trang and the coast. DIdn't feel too bad while riding and it was only about 85 miles to my goal. So, I saddled up and headed out in my still wet gear!
 |
| Da Lat to Nha Trang |
The road was another gorgeous one, this time passing endless strawberry farms; the coffee beans having given way to this much more palatable delicacy. The riding here has been much more enjoyable than in the Philippines, at least so far....! I can't really put my finger on "why" though.
The road got better and better as the morning went on; a really fun ride made me forget my symptoms.
Then the descent from the hills down to the coast began as did the rain; possibly the worst yet...... absolutely torrential. A shame as the road and views would otherwise have been spectacular. Instead, I crawled my way down the twisty road (more like a river in places!), my ears popping as I got lower and lower. It was too wet too stop for lunch, and it wasn't too far to Nha Trang so I pressed on.
The weather began to clear more and more, so I risked ditching the wet weather gear. Must have lasted about 15 minutes before I had to stop again to put them back on. I could hear the rain gods laughing at me......
I had booked a 4 Star hotel in Nha Trang. It is low season, so everything is incredibly cheap. I paid £18.55 a night for the hotel. Decided to stay 2 nights in the hope of shaking off my cold and waiting out the crap weather.
The north is the place to be at this time of year (apparently, but with Climate change, all bets are off), so I am contemplating getting to that part of Vietnam sooner rather than later. Still a long way off though.
There is an incredibly strong Russian presence in Nha Trang. They even seem to staff many of the businesses; it's almost like they don't want to go back to Russia..... can't imagine why?? Costa del Stalingrad.
The irony of "waiting out the weather" was painfully apparent as it was a pleasant dry day. Hope it continues into tomorrow!
Nha Trang is a nice enough place, still don't like beaches though!
This proved to be a shrewd move. As I rode north I could see the dark clouds shrouding the mountains to the west. The coast remained bright all day.
The ride itself was a mixed bag. When my route deviated away from the main road to hug the coastline more closely; it was glorious. Dipping and weaving it's merry way as it flirted with the sea.
Next day, I was still feeling rough. My flu symptoms no better, but the desire to get moving won out over my malaise. I didn't fancy getting wet, so I headed up the coast where the weather looked more promising.
 |
| Nha Trang to Quy Nhon |
When I was forced back onto the main route, it was "OK", not great but OK. Traffic was mostly light, I guess the 4 wheelers use the shiny new motorway; from which 2 wheelers are banned. It trudged it's way onwards, but the sun was out so I was happy.
Eventually, I got hungry, but all the roadside stops appeared to be shut. I had left it a bit late for the lunchtime rush. There aren't even the ubiquitous 7-Elevens as a back up (found every few yards in Thailand and the Phillipines), so I'd have to wait for Quy Nhon for a feed.
On arriving in Quy Nhon; I had a very average omelette (the closest place to the hotel that was open). Then off to a pharmacy to get some more mystery medicine. 4 different tablets to last me 3 days. No idea what they are, other than they cost me £1 in total...........so what they are is cheap! What could go wrong?
No comments:
Post a Comment