Motorcycle Explorer Jan 2017 Issue 15 | Page 22

Travel Story: russell cook - vietnam Phong Nha – Khe Sanh: 220 Km After about 20km and a fuel stop the twisty starts and doesn't stop until about 5km from Khe Sanh. It combines the Bonang, with the Mitta Mitta Hwy and the southern end of the great Alpine Way from Bruthen to Omeo in one road. Alternatively think of it as the Jenolan Caves road but for over 200km! Jazmin did the first 80 odd km and was exhausted from the effort, which was fair enough as that 80+km was non-stop twisty and quite an effort physically and mentally. Temperature was in early 30s from 8am. It eventually got late 30s and stayed that way until evening. We stopped a couple of times for drinks. I drank over 1.6ltr today – I counted. After 220km, we're exhausted and at the Khe Sanh military base, a very sad and run down place. What’s left doesn’t do justice to the 7month battle and the dogged efforts of all side. Dinner was a nice selection of crumbed fish, crumbed Pork, spring rolls and either bok choy or the sweet potato vines.