FIRST FEW STEPS . . . . MANY MORE TO GO
At around 0800 (Borne time) (midnight UK time) on Wednesday 16th November we set off from the east coast near Samarinda heading to west coast on the first leg of our 1408km journey. Before setting off we had a picture with some of the locals who were very interested in what we were about to do, they wished us the best of luck. Although, using our limited language skills, it sounded like they thought we were a little bonkers too. Nevertheless, we got a photo with them and off we set. The first leg was about 24km into the town of Samrinda which would be our first stop over. The Terrain was all tarmac road being around a large town so it was a good first leg to get our body’s use to the weight of our Bergan’s plus the heat and humidity as the daily temperature is around 28 degrees. The night was spent in a backpacker’s hotel where we resupplied ready for day two.
DAY 2
Today’s leg was about the same distance as yesterday with the terrain remaining the same with only one slight obstacle in our way the Mahakam River which is around 500m wide running north to south just to the east of our destination the town of Tenggarong. Luckily for us both of us no swimming would be required quite yet as there was a large vehicle bridge that crossed the river allowing to walk across. We once again slept in town under a roof taking the advantage of small comforts before we spend many nights in Hammocks under the jungle canopy.
DAY 3
Today we started from Tenggarong and headed toward Sidulang. After getting out of town the route became quite rolling although we were still handrailing the main road it had become slightly smaller. The good thing about being near the road is resupplying at the moment isn’t too much of a problem as there are small villages along the way where it’s easy to pick up food and water. The locals have been very helpful every time we get the map too making sure we are on the right route (can’t beat local knowledge). We haven’t quite finished this leg today but so far almost three days in the legs, feet, and body are starting to get used to yomping again. We can’t say we’ve missed it but us bootnecks are doing what we do best.
Until next time
Louis and Ant.
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