– ODO- 12771 – 12879km
– Location- Bankse National Park, Nepal
– Weather- 18-36 Humid
If I’d had one more hour of daylight I would have made it past Kohalpur and into the Bankse Nature Reserve. After checking out of my overpriced (but I have to say the best hotel I’ve stayed in for my entire journey), the Krishna, I rode out of town expecting the gradual subsidence of community to nature. Instead a military checkpoint signalled a sharp division between the city and forest.
From the morning I’ve ridden 90km in near pristine green, with only trucks and busses for company. The occasional village broke the trees, usually at a crossing of road and river, and I’d buy two leters if water in the case that the next village doesn’t arrive. For the first time I had a day fully mine. And it’s was my 100th day on the bike. What a great reward.
I still can’t believe this is the main east-west Highway across the country. So far I’ve had big stints with only a rare truck for company. The leaves are brown and orange with the end of the dry season and they remind me of autumn back home in Norwich – my birthday time. This autumnal scene comes complete with uncharictaristic 35 degree heat and stifling humidity. That doesn’t make it too easy to cycle. I get somewhat sweaty.
Right now I’m making the most of my freedom by camping out for lunch just off the highway, shaded by the remaining green leaves. I’m warming shop bought noodles as my lunch treat and after I finish this I’ll take a luxurious nap with my shirt off and absolutely nobody wanting to take a selfie. Perfect.