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For details of the places I visited in Kampot, Kep, and Sihanoukville, with GPS Coordinates, see my book Kampot, Kep and Sihanoukville.

Today the hotel asks me if i want to take another scooter, as they want to work on the Suzuki. I have no problem with it, and select a Honda wave, 110cc semi automatic. This turns out to be a wonderfull little bike, that is extreamly light on fuel.

These honda semi automatics are very versatile and awesome off-road.

I head out to Bokor mountain again, and this time spend some more time at the old casino. The Khmer Rouge used to throw their prisoners off the cliff here, and it is rumoured that their ghosts, with those of unfortunate gamblers that threw themselves off the cliff, still linger here. The guards are unwilling to stay here after dark. I think the ghost must have all ran into hiding when they heard I was coming, for nothing moved when I was there.

It it is a long way down from the top. The top is most of the time covered in mist, especially in the wet months.

I drive around and find a Pagoda, that I later find out is called, Wat Sampov Pram or Pagoda of 5 boats, due to the rocks looking like boats. The mist comes in and it looks a bit spooky and I wonder if the casino ghosts are not maybe hiding here. I call Milder from X-files, but he says it is okay, he has already checked out the place.

Next I head to the 1000 rice fields. Now I am honest, I actually expected rice fields when the sign board said 1000 rice fields. What it ends up being, is just rocks scattered over the countryside, that is suppose to represent rice fields.

From here, I head to a botanical garden that I heard was very popular with the ladies. Now why would a botanical garden be popular with the ladies? Oh, never mind. A signs says no picking of flowers, and I think it should say no stroking.

After having a long hard look at the stimulating flowers, I head to the valley and cave close by to plunge myself into earth.

The cave is reached by a very scenic route, that eventually ends by a large sacred Rock.

Keep your balance as you walk the plank.

Sacred Rock, I guess the other rocks that are just as old as this one is a bit envious that they are not also considered sacred.

From the rock, you follow a wooden ladder down, then over to another rock, then down another wooden ladder to the “cave” part.

I walk around the rock, and comment that it is funny that people come from so far away to pray to a rock. The blood drains from my faces as a loud rumble shakes me. Ice crystals run up my spine and the hair at the back of my neck stand up. A cold shiver shakes my shoulders as a second loud rumble shakes me.

“You hungry, I give rice, come eat.” A voice says behind me in responce to my stomach’s complains of being neglected. I thank the man who with his family are making ready to sit down for a meal. I head around the side of the rock, and for a moment contemplate using the toilet, but pass on it.

I decide to go see what the new casino is like, and take a side path back. Actually I got lost as when I arrived I just followed the locals to the place. So I just create a new path back. The good thing of having a GPS, is you know in what direction you should head, then you just plow your way through everything, maybe sidestepping a tree, and a rock, and definately that thorn bush. Crap, should have sidestepped that thorn bush. While in pain, I wonder how far a thorn has to enter to pierce your bladder. I check, but my pants are still dry, all fine then, sort off.

New casino at bokor mountain. I get coffee, a tuna sandwich and cake, for less than $5. Yes I spoiled myself a bit.

I decide to go and check out some of the backpacker places along the river. They are mostly the same, with nice bars right along the river. Some have cambodian village style huts, while others have brick rooms, but none have airconditioning, yet.

You can lie in a hammock while you soak in the view.

I briefly ponder the option of using their restroom, but decide I do not need it that much. I have never been one for public urination. Okay, and I may get distracted.

As I head back, I decide to go and see the old train station. Now, being me, you have to do it the adventures way. So instaid of driving around with a proper road, I head along the train tracts. As the station was abandoned in the late 90s if I am correct, I should be save. I did however have to shoe a cow out of the way. The cow can be seen way down, and was happily grazing along the road until I wanted to pass. Then for some reason the cow decided to go stand smack over the small path. The owner hosed himself for me trying to shoe a cow away, that just cave me a moooeeee, and continued to chew the gras it just ate. After about two minutes, the cow eventually moved enought forward that I could pass while scraping my shoulder against its butt. I am sure I heard a pleasure moooeeee as I passed. I wonder if that is a standard trick the cow plays on tourists.

I also have a look at the old train bridge.

I decide to make it a full house and go and have a look at the old bridge, that was damaged from bombing during the war years.

I find a seal that is not in the Navy.

Then I sit back and enjoy the setting sun.

Tomorrow, I will go and see some more caves, actual caves.