1 More Bar, Don Det.

This place reminded me of Koh Tao's Bar Next Door.

Rain, Don Det

Blissful Pig, Don Det

Veggie Gardens, Don Det.

High life, Don Det.

Chillin in Don Det.

My posy in Don Det.

Really the best place to relax, overlooking river islands.

With my dog.

Don Det Toilets.

Don Det has a selection of about 5 public toilets. All tagged and marked. Gives the already so laid back island an even bomber mood.

Making my way to Don Det.

From Pakse to Don Det on a sawngthaew seemed like a good idea at first but later as the truck filled up and there was about 40 of us all squished together the novelty wore off. 

After a fare few stops it was much roomier. I switched to the back and watched the road passing listening to music. At the time I felt so free and alive...totally worth it now.

Followed by a river boat ride to Don Det.

Placid river banks.

Four thousand Islands.

Don Det here we come.

Vat Phou, Champasak.

Vat Phou is Laos archeaological heritage site of a Khmer ruin temple structure centred on Angkor to the southwest, in Cambodia. 

There was a temple on the site as early as the 5th century but the surviving structures date from the 11th - 13th century.

It has a unique structure as the elements lead up to a shrine were a linga was bathed in water from a mountain spring.

The trees rooted into the path are also very spectacular.

There is a large elephant carved into a massive rock face.

As well as a crocodile.

And many other interesting rock carvings.

Terraces.

Dismembered sculptures.

Dokchampa Massage in Pakse.

Dokchampa is the longest running massage parlor in Pakse. After the 5 day loop I helped myself to a traditional Laos massage.

The herbal oils , tranquil music, calm atmosphere combined with a very professional hour long massage... stretched, clicked and rejuvenated me right back into place.

Performed upstairs in a private room made the experience even more relaxing and personal.

Topped of with a refreshing herbal tea. This ritual is one of my favourite treats and I know my body thanks me for it as i always feel so alive and in touch with myself after these pampering occasions.

Thakhek's French style.

So once again, I wandered through another town in Laos. This time Thakhek and found some cool French colonial styles...

Eroded and worn structures are cool.

On every street corner.

Doors and window shutters fascinate me.

It gives me a sense of the past.

Another street corner.

With stories embedded in the wall.

The windows are the eyes.

Looking in and out on the street life.

Colonial.

Barred. 

Once a shop.

Closed shutters.

Railed wall.

Thakhek Loop...Day 5!...Finale!

Last day on the road...Wah!!!

The flooding meant a lot of villages had to be relocated...its massive!.

Then we came down a massive jungle road to a Dam...the one that caused the flooding.

Kind of reminds me of Dams in New Zealand.

Then a few minutes round the corner...

I love Laos!!!

The rice fields never get old.

Concrete!.

Can't get enough of all the goats!! Fear overcome...that one goat that rammed me so long ago was just grumpy that day I guess.

One last stop...a little trek to a cave.

Through the Jungle.

Locals fishing by the cave.

Back to the bikes...were close to the finish now.

Thakhek we are at the finishing line....lunch is served!!!

Tasty Basil leave Duck...The journey is complete. What a incredible 5 days it has been. Best ride of my life for sure. I found myself on my bike alone. I wrote a song and a poem riding in the open as no one could here me scream but the wind. This was cleansing and the best thing for me. Let the journey continue...I will surely be back to do this again with crazy fools like myself. With rainbows and jings all the way. I love life and all that it entails.

Riding.

 Forward,

 moving,

striving,

beyond,

what lies ahead. 

Don't look back,

 don't procrastinate, 

appreciate what you have,

 like riding on a road it will pass.

 Feel the breeze,

cleansing your thoughts,

brushing of what you've gone through,

You are free.

Rain will poor,

The sun will shine,

Take it all,

as it comes.

Drive along the journey,

Break before a corner and accelerate out.

Let the pistons of your heart guide you,

To find your meaning of your ride.

Be the vehicle,

Control and steer.

No one is beside you.

It's just you and your bike.

Ride and live life full of fuel.