Dream Trip 2008: January

Great Travel Moment

On a two-day trek in Sapa, North Vietnam, my passengers decided they wanted to hike to the nearest waterfall. Great idea, except that it had rained the night before and the trail was very slippery and muddy. Despite being a tour leader and trekking frequently, I seem to have serious issues with balance and can't keep my feet under me! I'd already spent the first day being helped along the trail by two local H'mong girls. Now on Day 2 I figured I could go it alone... bad idea. Crossing the rice paddies I felt myself begin to slide! I tried to slow my fall, grabbing onto grass and twigs and eventually managing to cling to the side of the paddy. Fortunately, my passengers were on ahead and didn't see me. The only one nearby says he just heard me shout, and then after a pause I called, "I'm alright!"