Anh hurries the French couple and I through breakfast so we will have enough time for our hike and to get back for a shower before lunch and our departure by hydrofoil and bus back to Hanoi. Maryse and Jean Claude (we finally introduce ourselves since only the three of us are hiking.) Another hair raising drive to the park, 30 minutes away. We see our destination, a steel observation tower atop a karst hill.
The path starts out easily enough; steps of stone wind gently upward. i think about the yellow brick road and keep climbing....its getting hotter, or rather I'm getting hotter.
Still more steps. I've lost count, but i know its more than 430 already. We are each removing clothes. Sometimes the road is straight, sometimes curved.
There is a resting place half way up and Anh is sure we don't have time to make it all the way and suggests we turn back now. We aren't convinced and agree to pick up our pace, and she charges ahead, still dubious about our physical strength and stamina.
Then the serious three point rock climbing begins.
Its still early in the day so we are the only ones on the trail, which is good since there is not often room for two across the trail. We prove victorious and reach the top.
Maryse even ventures a bit up the rusty tower til she finds too many treads missing.
The view is definitely a fine reward.
Then of course we have to come down those rusty ladders and rocky paths.
Anh is pleased we made it, and just in time too, for hoards of late starters are now arriving at the final stretch. We navigate around each other and have plenty of time for quick showers and lunch.
Then we wait for the hydrofoil.
-On the road with Kathryn
Location:Cat Ba Nature Park
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