E-Tong Village to Thong Pha Phum

After spending another night in the tent, that's three nights in a row, I left E-Tong at sunrise. Getting out involves a steep descent to the village of Pilok then a big steep climb out of the valley. Once you crest that ridge its mostly all downhill from there.

Down and down I went. I was glad to of fought up that mountain and was rewarded with a clean fast descent. It was nice to breath mountain air and feel breezes cool. Its funny, you go to a place just to get there and after arriving, you leave and you will never step there again. It makes me wonder why ever go there in the first place? What's the point of traveling to a far and distant place? I wonder this more and more as I spend time here. I guess we all have our reasons to pack our bags and head out the door. Some of us want to find ourselves in the challenges we will face, and some of us want to fulfill an idea in our minds. As I ride my bike up that mountain straining knees to the point of pain I can't help but see the pointlessness in my pursuits. Will this make me happy when it is all said and done? I hope so! because it takes a hell of a lot of effort!

I don't know what I am trying to get at here. Like I am riding my bike, why so many thoughts and questions? right. Well that's what I am doing I guess. I am looking for answers. I have such moments of complete bliss riding my bike, but many times questions that question my existence pop up. And having the time I tackle them, one pedal at a time.

This tour has brought me out of a comfort zone I have created for myself in the last 5 years. A way of life that I treasure above most things. I really can't wait to hop in my Jetta and cruise dusty roads with my pal Julie Dog. These two things have been the two most trust worthy companions I have ever had, and the more time I spend apart from them, I'm not sure if I would rather any other. Human relationships is something of a mystery to me.

The things I treasure will have to wait though because I am exiled to land far away with days filled with pedal strokes await. My legs will get stronger and so will my heart. So until then, I bike on.

The trip odometer is at 664 and my climbing is at 4380m. I should still have a couple more days of up and down before I hit the flats. My trip route hasn't changed much since today was all back tracking.

On a lookout that splits Thailand from Burma