Yesterday’s trek was a little different from the day before. We were lucky (well most) that we could hire gumboots/ wellingtons. I got the smallest size that they possibly had (saying something for Vietnam) and two of the boys had to trek in their running shoes cause they didn’t have big enough ones. For the whole trek, and mostly down hill we were squelching in the mud. With only two people slipping over and covering there bums in mud, we didn’t do too badly. The uphill segments were definitely appreciated. We were also swarmed with local ladies, as we were headed for the villages, and at times I was thankful to have a helping hand for the slippery parts!

As we’ve moved up the coast the family has snowballed. From 6, we got up to 12/13 at one stage and these last 3 days of the tour are our final ones together as an almost entire family. Still at 10 people, but as of tomorrow we’re off on our own separate ways ( some who’ve been travelling together for months and months now) until everyone moves to Australia, in which they’ve all signed up in advanced with surfing lessons with Dad.

This is our adorable local guide, at just 18 years of age she walks these trails 1/2 times a week and spend the rest of her time making clothes at her families village (which we visit tomorrow). With remarkable English and the cutest personality she led us around and was fascinated with my hair colour and wavy locks (compared to her very long straight black hair) and my nose ring. We have the same size feet which she loved and tiny hands too, but I still felt like a giant.

All throughout the trek and wandering the villages were local village women and young girls, dressed in these local “uniform” or traditional dress. Women carrying baskets on their backs full of rice or stock, and persistent children running along side you trying to sell you handmade bags, bracelets and purses. For the better part of it the local people here are beautiful.

Farewelling the girls for a few days, Valerie and the now 8 boys did a quick re-pack ( some still heavily intoxicated from their booze cruise) and jumped aboard a 10 hour overnight train to head north-west and up the mountain to a totally different but equally as beautiful environment. Though the end of the wet season we knew to expect rain, but it’s only a light drizzle, just an annoyingly large amount of fog. Layering every warm item I have (which is not much, this is the coldest place I’ve been and will go) we did a casual 6km trek today and set off to the local villages tomorrow on a larger 12km trek, constantly surrounded by breathtaking rice fields and mountains.