There is reality in here somewhere....

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No hindsight for twenty twenty at this stage but so far this is what we anticipate in a naive and

dreamlike at best Hollywood meets Outward bound scenario:


Day one...Siem Reap to Beng Mela temple (or close)

The mileage for day one has us a bit spooked. Sixty-five KM may not be all that long to some but we

are thinking that we need to keep the mileage closer to a 40-50km/day range.

We will spend what is left of the daylight seeing what was once a resting location for kings

traveling from Angkor Wat to the Great Preah Khan. Dinner will be in on the temple grounds and we

will camp under its shadows....


Day two...where did Day One end?

This will likely be a familiar theme for us. We will run through the small market village of Svay

Leu, at the base of Kulen mountain. Winding our way through remotely poplulated areas which are

starting to grow thanks to new roads in the area.

Dinner and lodging will be near Koh Ker temple. Maybe sleeping in a bed, maybe in a

tent...wondering how far we will make it on day two.


Day three....the red dirt road.

This day will be a challenge if for nothing but the road surface, a deep red rust colored dirt that

will find its way into everything...Lodging for this night will be either a local villager's house or a guest house...


Day four...are we there yet?

Finally we head in the direction of the Preah Vihear temple, the end point for this part of our

adventure. The area is said to be remote and populated by small houses. Our goal is the small

village of Kulen but camping along the road is more likely what will happen. The day will be spent

Jungle running, Jeff and Nat meet Tarzan and Jane.


Day five...well past wondering why and just trying to put one foot in front of the other

Originally we'd thought we could make it to Preah Vihear by this day but that is not likely to

happen. We will spend the night once again along the road or maybe in Sa Em....


Day six...hoping there is not a day seven...

This should be our last day. Estimating this will be a 50km day if not more. Preah Vihear temple is

a stunning temple located on a mountaintop, overlooking Thailand and Cambodia. Built over the ninth

to the twelfth centuries, it juts out from the cliffs over the surrounding countryside.

Our lodgin that evening will be 'with a prominent local family in the village on the mountain or in

the area. Facilities are basic - shared bathroom, but welcoming.

A goal reached and surely another planned we will have dinner and wonder what is next....

It will be interesting to see how reality play out to the plan....


Thanks for coming along,
J&N

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