Day 958 5th March 2019
28 miles (Kuah to Tanjung Rhu and back ) Average speed 9 mph Top speed 32 mph
A magnificent day with Pauline from Nancy.
I got up at 10 and had coffee and toast for breakfast. Eugene arrived at 11.30 and Pauline and I set off to the waterfall at midday.
I helped her with saddle height and gears and we took quiet hilly roads at first. Then we joined the main road north. Our first stop was a Hindu temple, but we went to a shop opposite and had ice lollies and played darts with a guy from the temple. Then we continued on to Ayer Hangat where we had iced tea and saw some horses and a sad looking monkey in a cage.
Making friends with the horses
Then we climbed up to the waterfall, parked our bikes and took the steps up to waterfall. At the top there was a good pool and I wasted no time to strip off and enjoy the cool water. Pauline joined me before we dried off in the sun.
Beautiful waterfall
Enjoying the pool at the foot of the waterfall
We then went full speed back down the hill to a restaurant for noodle soup with beef and vegetables. We talked to the owner, then went to the beach at Rhu where we swam at a beautiful quiet beach and sunbathed. We left at 5.45, took the road south and stopped for iced tea at a cafe. I put our hats in the sun on the grass and when I went back for them the waitress had put them on a chair for me.
Noodles for lunch
Then a swim in the sea
There were a few hills to negotiate and Pauline was a bit tired and walked up a couple. We got to the next waterfall but rightly decided not to climb up to it as it would soon be dark and she had no lights. I put her rucksack on my rack and she found it easier, I rode behind her to protect her and used my light as the sun went down. It was great to ride with her and I think she was brave and strong to take on the challenge without ever using gears before but was a fast learner. When we got back we went to dinner of chilli squid, after showering and chatted lots. A wonderful day with great company but I need to practice my French, it’s been a while since speaking it!
Next stop
Dinner after a fantastic day
3 years ago I left the dome and I don’t miss it at all. It’s been an incredible 3 years and I have met so many wonderful people and made so many new friends. I thank you all, each and every one of you for making my life so much richer. When I see pictures of me then and now I realise how much of a transformation there has been. I am looking forward to more new adventures in the future.
218 hostel.