It started out with a fun ride down the windy mountain road to Cao Bang. We moved on towards Quang Uyen, stopping at a locally renown blacksmith area, as Chung wanted to show us how local steel was worked.
Three men, all wearing light shirts and sandals, were standing around a single piece of hot glowing metal, beating it with hand-held hammers in a mesmerising, triplicated rhythm. It was fascinating to watch and listen, and at least two knives were made in the time we stood there, staring curiously. They used old truck leaf springs for their hardened steel properties, heated them up, beat them into the right shape and then sharpened them. We were impressed. Chung bought a cleaver for his home kitchen at a tourist price of 8 USDs, and we were tempted to get one ourselves but thought that Australian Customs officials may not approve.
We continued along the smooth windy roads to our homestay in Quang Uyen where we met our friendly hosts, unloaded our bikes and stuffed down lunch. Pretty soon we were back on the bikes heading out of town.
Then the road surface disappeared. What remained can only be described as resembling huge uneven motocross whoops. It was incredibly rough, dusty and all formed by the hoards of massive trucks going to and from China. These we also had to dodge as we struggled over the rough terrain. But after over an hour of gruelling riding, beautiful Ban Gioc Waterfall just seemed to appear out of nowhere.
It was a largish waterfall, where in the wet season it would grow to 300m wide with a drop of 30m. But what made it special was its photogenic qualities - the cascading falls of water dipping and flowing around shrubs, grass and moss, and beautiful contrasts of the white water against the shadows of the rocks. It is also interesting as the border between Vietnam and China runs right through it (Vietnam to the left, China to the right). We took a raft to get close to the falls, and there were plenty of rockpools and flat places around from which I could find many angles to shoot.
All that was left was the bum-breaking ride back to the homestay …
The next day was an easy but hot ride through sunny, 37 degree weather. But we couldn't have asked for a more superbly appropriate destination - Ba Be Lake. Limestone cliffs surrounded a massive cool, clear body of water, which we happily dipped into before dinner. Add some photogenic rice paddies, what more could you ask for?
Rising early the next morning, I grabbed the camera and tripod to wander through the paddy fields. It was nice to be out there on my own. I found a spot and waited for the sun to do its thing.
I was there for about an hour and was able to catch this dragonfly that decided to land right next to me.
It was another hot day and the planned boat ride across the lake was a welcome activity. It was butterfly season, and it was interesting watching rabbles of them flit between rocks and trees along the shoreline - there would have to have been millions.
When it was all too hot to bear we dived off the boat into the deep refreshing waters and relaxed, bobbing about in old lifesaving rings.
It was an easy 50 kilometre ride to the next homestay. This one felt intimately genuine, as it was just a single family room; fire in the middle, kitchen just behind it, bed mats to the side, and a bucket bathroom out the back. We loved the place and our hosts welcomed us warmly with an amazing feast and many shots of home-brewed ruou (rice wine).
After a good night's rest we packed up for the last day of riding. I was not looking forward to this. One part of me did not want this trip to end, and the other part of me really did not want to ride through Hanoi traffic again.
We survived the main highway of trucks, buses, fast drivers and dangerous overtakers. It was not enjoyable riding as we aimed to beat peak hour traffic, but we arrived safely, tired but happy. We really enjoyed our 11 day journey travelling over 1800 kilometres, and I would like to do it again someday in another season when the rice paddies change colour. Chung was a great guide and I would like to thank him for his patience, especially while I took photos.
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