Butwal to Bardia NP - Day 6

 


We were warned it would be tough going today and it didn't disappoint. It was only 304 kms from the hotel to our stop for the night but the roads and traffic made for an interesting day. Yesterday and today we rode through a few police checkpoints and were not stopped....... until this morning. We were stopped and asked to produce our licenses. We do have our international licenses. but they were in our bags on the support vehicle. Prabin, our guide somehow managed to get us through without providing our licenses which was a relief. The young policeman asked both of our lady riders how old they were and was surprised with their response. Once we got the all clear we were waved through and on our way again.  Ann did mention how cute he was but I didn't notice surprisingly enough.


A few hours in and we were making our way up the hills again and through more roadworks. Suddenly traffic came to a standstill because 2 busses tried to navigate the same small pass at the same time and got hooked up on each other and bogged. This is where adventure bikes are useful. We navigated our way through the congestion and up and over a mound to get past the blockage, much to everyone's disgust. We had a nice clear run up the hill and stopped near the top for a drink break. We had a cup of milk tea and a well earned leg stretch. There was a woman sitting on a bench sorting tea leaves from the stems. We saw the blockage had cleared as the traffic was coming through in droves. They even had all their ducks in a row!

Back on the road again and before long we pulled over for a bike problem. The lead rider felt there was an issue with his bike so rather than risk damage we waited for the mechanic to come along and inspect. A bike swap and we were on our way again. and before long we were stopping for lunch. This was at a popular bus stop it seemed and the place was packed. As has been the case in all our travels here so far, the food was fantastic. It also appeared we  were the centre of attention as a lot of people waving to us and smiling a lot at us.

Back on the road again we had passed the half way mark and were on track to make our destination before dark.A fuel stop and park entrance stop later, and we were almost there. the last 50 km were going to be a bit slower because of the park rules and speed restrictions. Arriving at our nights lodgings and we only had 2 things on our mind, a cold drink and a hot shower. Beer comes in 650 ml bottles here so I was forced to drink a whole bottle. That was  probably a good thing as the hot water service wasn't turned on and it numbed the cold water on  my body. Hopefully the water will be hot by the time I finish this blog and after my dinner arrives.


Tomorrow is a huge day for us and we are not on the bikes. you will just have to wait till then to find out why.

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