We have done Phu Tub Boek and also spend another night at Khao Kho (where a huge fat lizard was waiting to pounce on us). We are now leaving Phetchabun and heading for Nan. Took Route 12, which is a wide mountain road in surprisingly good condition. The road dip and rise, following the contour of the slopes, and picturesque sceneries appear before us every so often, as we emerge from one corner after the other. We left Route 12 and headed for Sirikit Dam on the Nan River for lunch. The river banks are adorn with beautiful shrubs and flowers guarded by dense green forest in the background. So far, it was a pretty good morning ride at a comfortable pace. If I remember correctly, we had Chicken Rice for lunch. And coffee. We are now in Uttaradit, having cut across Phitsanulok.
KM7 was hiding surprise a for us. After lunch, he took us on a narrow, broken road that led to a clearing by the river where there was a sort of a floating platform. We are going on a boat ride, he said. And lo & behold, a ferry appeared, approaching from the opposite bank a mile or two away. Ha! Fancy riding a boat high up in the mountains. Unexpected. A couple of cars and passenger vans also turn up after us. Apparently, commuters around here prefer to use the excellent mountain roads to get to Nan Town as the ferry would take longer, even though the distance is shorter. Which explain why there are no concrete structures at the boarding point as it is not often used. We also met a Irish guy on a Hunter (Honda). Jonny comes to Thailand twice a year, pick up his bike which he stored in BKK, then travel solo around Thailand. His mission is to recce the area and bring his ‘kakis’ over from Ireland once it’s accomplished. Wow. That’s life! Pretty awesome.
Once we disembarked, we picked up pace and head for town so that we can see a bit of Nan before dusk. We made it to Nan the Town at a decent hour, secured our machines and got ready for dinner. The street where we stayed was next to the main Wat of the town. And wherever there is a temple, there will surely be street food and souvenir and haberdashery stalls in the vicinity. A Walking Street, you might call it. Each of us bought a different food and throw them on the table and Presto! We have a feast! Only a low table on a big mat or rug is provided and scores of these setups filled the square. We sat on the mat and devour our food. And like everybody, cleared the table when we were done. We are going local here.
I hope the weather stays like this tomorrow for our second leg in Nan.
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Jaywalker, 18 Dec. 2022
2 wheels and an engine 