Sunday 20th June 2010

This was our Lay Day to catch up on everything: washing, grease the vehicle, catch up on the logs and blogs, rearrange some of the things in the vehicle now that we have lived in it for three weeks, and post cards for home.

As for the drying of the washing that was out in between the rain showers and eventually ended up draped over everything inside the vehicle.

As we updated the blog in town the others were determined to find that elusive camp site. Success was with them and camp tonight was on a semi-deserted beach on the western end of Otress Beach.

John was still not feeling well so he stayed with the vehicles while the rest of us enjoyed a good meal at one of the many beach restaurants.

Camp 20:  Otress Beach.

N10* 33.780 E103* 33.400

Distance Today: 16 Kms

Total Distance: 3812 Kms

Monday 21st June 2010

Today is special as it is Lyn’s Birthday. Our children and family had prepared cards for her so Lyn was thrilled with the special messages from home, meanwhile I delivered hot croissants and coffee in bed for her.

Last night the monsoon started. Buckets of water washed over us, however it did not denture Lyn from her early morning swim.

The line between rick and poor is only as thick as a brick wall!

It is still raining, heavily at times, as we head towards Bokor Hill. As the street side vendors retreat into their lean twos, the children play and jump in the road side puddles making the driving even more challenging.

Before ascending Bokor Hill, lunch was on the agenda and the small road side family shop staffed with Mum, Dad, sons and respective wives and numerous children, and not forgetting grandma all helping. A tasty meal of rice and grilled chicken plus a can of drink each set us back US2.50 each. 

Taking the turn to Bokor Hill we were only 500metres along the road when a rope barrier was lifted in front of us. Via some challenging sign language we learn that the road is washed away and only half the width of a car. Cancel Bokor Hill and on to plan ‘B’

Plan ‘B’ is Krong Kep. Kep is a seaside resort famous for its seafood and sunsets. Founded by the French elite in 1908, Cambodian high rollers continued the tradition and flocked here for gambling and water sports.

The Khmer Rouge harboured a deep hatred for the bourgeoisie and this town in particular. In the 70’s they ransacked everything that represented the upper class and burnt and shot at the beautiful French houses.

Today many of them still stand showing blackened and bullet hole scars. Some are inhabited by squatters.

By paying the ‘guard’ actually squatter the sum of US$1, we were able to walk around the summer retreat of King Sihanouk which stood gracefully on the hill overlooking the sea. It is riddled with white ants and in a serious state of disrepair.

Our perfect and quite camping spot was ‘Among the Gum Trees’ on Western end of Coconut Beach.

The Australian Eucalyptus Gum Trees are everywhere across Thailand and Cambodia, as they are fast growing, and grow in many types of soil offering good building material, wood and charcoal for the cooking fires.

Wow! What a great meal for Lyn’s birthday.

Two plates of big prawns, Pepper Crabs, 4 grilled Crabs, Noodles, Fried Rice, and drinks all round. (US$32. for the 6 of us)

Camp 21:  “Amongst the Gum Trees” 

N10* 28.780 E104* 18.801

Distance Today: 153 Kms

Total Distance: 3965 Kms

Tuesday 22nd June 2010

Today was a day of ‘Roads less Travelled’

We could have taken the black top on ‘highway’ 3 all the way to Phnom Penh, but that is not our way. Travelling up 33 we turned on to 31 then left again on a little used dirt road crossing to the village of Chhuk.

We crossed H’way 3  and joined 124 at Trapeang Reang. We then followed 124 on a very rough and wet, pot holed road to Ou Saray, here we stopped to have strong black, sugared coffee in shot glasses.

It was an inspiring trip. Every turn was a new wonder. Most villages waved, despite the fact that they may never have seen foreigners on these roads.

The houses were ‘rustic’ but the surrounds clean. Everywhere was rice production, with the income supplemented by pigs, ducks and chickens, Everywhere Buffalo and oxen.

The country was a deep green and fresh, contrasting against the muted colours of the overcast sky.

Local ‘bus’ service.

Rejoining H’way 3 the road was under repair for all the 60Kms to Phnom Penh. It took us 2 ½ hours dodging water filled pot holes, trucks, bikes, work vehicles and the odd duck and chicken.

“This little piggy goes to market”

With both Bill and I navigating in to Phnom Penh, we more by mistake than good management found ourselves in the exact street we needed within remarkable good time.  We arrived at the secure parking behind a night club and Chinese restaurant. US$2 per night / vehicle.

It’s great, only one block to the Mekong River and all the activities of the area.

Camp 22:  Car Park Phnom Penh

N11* 34.060 E104* 55.678

Distance Today: 215Kms

Total Distance:  4180Kms