Cave
Trip Start
Jan 02, 2008
1
49
75
Trip End
Jun 17, 2008
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Vang Vieng,
Lao Peoples Dem Rep
Sunday, March 23, 2008
There are lots of caves in the area, so I selected one to go to; Poukham Cave, the furthest one away (trust me!). It's only about 14km there and back, but the bumpy dirt track roads weren't the easiest to cycle on. Nevertheless I really enjoyed it. Nice to be out in the country and the scenery is beautiful.
At the cave I was asked if I wanted a guide for my safety. I said no, but maybe yes would have been a more sensible answer. First I had to scramble up steep, jagged rocks to reach the entrance. I was wearing completely inappropriate shoes...flipflops...because I really wasn't expecting to do any rock climbing today. There weren't many people about, which was nice, because the cave was in it's natural state and hasn't been ruined by tourism. I only passed a few other people and was alone most of the time. I climbed deeper and deeper into the cave until it was pitch black. Luckily I had a keyring torch in my bag, so I continued exploring for a bit and then tried to find my way out. Why is it always more difficult to get out than in? Couldn't find the same route out...rocks all start looking the same after a while! Climbing down from the cave was also more difficult than climbing up.
Next to Poukham cave is a Blue Lagoon, so I went for a swim and then cycled back dripping wet. I watched the sunset from a cafe by River Namsong and then found another cafe where I spent hours reading my book...and now I need to sleep and hopefully my aching neck (which is now far worse than it was this morning...bumpy bike ride didn't help!) will be better tomorrow. But I guess a great day is worth a little suffering.
