The North East Ratanakiri Province of Cambodia is not generally associated wth the Ho Chi Minh Trail although it got it's unfair share of Cluster Bombing too. I headed up the 127 kilometers on what I was hoping would be my last dirt ride of the trip to Ban Lung, soon to be upgraded to blacktop. This is the new provincial town after the original one, Lumphat, got severely bombed in the American War, relocated no doubt due to the widespread threat of unexploded Cluster Bombs and the rest.
I stayed at Ratanakiri Guest House, on the near edge of town. The family's grandmother recalls way back before all the wars when they were only one of five houses located there. Now it's the booming new town near the border crossing with Viet Nam. Mother ponders the Pol Pot era and the subsequent stabalisation period when Vietnamese swarmed all around the region. I did not care to stir too many memories, to see their eyes was enough. The young grand-daughter does not have the older ladies regretful expressions but radiates an optimistic wide smile.
I called in on CARE who do agricultural and education programs and to my surprise knew little about the 18 million unexploded Cluster Bombs in the region. This is surely in part to do with the Cambodian government's lack of commitment to sign the Oslo Treay against Cluster Bombs. The prominence of the Landmine issue in Cambodia also has been allowed to override the problem. However, now that the region is opening up to trade, tourism and particularly developing agriculture it surely must be time for those who can do something about it to do so. There will be many further accidents. No doubt it will take an injury to a western tourist to highlight the issue.
Like Viet Nam, Cambodia is burying its head in the sand. As usual city people quickly forget about Cluster Bombs, too busy making money, but the poorer rural folks, those who cut and clear the forest are the ones who continue to die and be maimed. They are the ones putting food in the markets and on the table but never get the proper support and representation they deserve. They are today's frontliners.
America continues to disperse Cluster Bombs at will in any country they please. It is time for us with a conscience to apply our will on such callous governments and remind them of the values they are meant to represent, to stop using them and clean up those still lying in wait, unexploded, for the innocent farmer and his children.
Cluster Bombs in Casing
76 milion of these individual Bombies remain unexploded in Laos. This is a mother pod that failed to spring open and cast it's deadly cargo.
Project Pineapple Logo
Inside the shape of a BLU26 Cluster Bomb is the result it can cause.
One Reason for the Name Project Pineapple
America versus China
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Another Good Reason for Name Project Pineapple
This cluster bomb, known as a pineapple, which is still active, is in the collection of Tourist Information at Phonsavan, Plain of Jars, Laos
Two Good Reasons for Image on Project Pineapple Logo
Cope publicity staff Soksai 'plays' Project Pineapple logo
Mr Ta, No Arms One Eye, Cluster Bomb Victim
This is what the ride is about, to stop the perpetrators of these weapons
An Animated Mr Ta Gesticulates....
....as best he can during interview with COPE's Cluster Bomb display behind
'Handling' His Misfortune by Selling Maps at War Museum, Sai Gon
This victim armless, one legged, one eye, is pragmantic, I shook his 'hand' with both of mine
Arms and Legs All Over The Place
That's COPEs limb fitting centre, not going out of business soon, unfortunately.
Colourful Collection of Cluster Bombs
A tasty collection, you can see why kids enjoy playing with them
Togehter We Can Make It Happen
Bomb Awareness Day in Vientiane, is that an American flag I see before mine eyes?
Out of Nong Across to Along and The Hardest Trail
The Along villagers build this crossing during the dry season with a hefty toll on the otherside
War Vet Wonders Where The Good Times Went, And His Leg
The restrained display opposite the City Opera House on Le Loi Avenue, Sai Gon
International Artist Supports Project Pineapple
Man Winkler's contribution to the project , see blog entry, April 22
Little Remains After 40 Years of Scrap Hunters
Too big with rusted bolts for the recycling confirms you are on the Trail
Forest Fire
Sunset on Lao at the Viet Nam border. Imagine these skies on real fire 40 years ago.
Descendant of First Generation Clearance Team
Pigs, Dogs and Children were the first to clear UXOs before western conscience finally activated, see website
Jettisoned Fuel Tank Takes to the Air Again
B52s dropped their supplimentary fuel tanks after their deadly Cluster Bomb missions
UXO Lao Xekong meet Project Pineapple
Mr Tawee and some of his crew receiving COPE's brouchures
Mountain Villagers Have Little But The Land They Live On
Why should these people be suffering from the war remants so flagrantly scattered 40 years ago?
Complex Weaving Designs Take a Complex Comprehension
Villagers skilled in weaving intricate designs easily capable of searching their mountainous forest floor plan
Unstoppable Road Development of the Ho Chi Minh Trail
Parking a Minsk even for a moment can be hazardous
Minsk 125cc 2002
Your going on that? remarked Tony, the web man.
What's that Minsk doing up there?
It's on the way to my 'local' mechanic in Luang Prabang of course.
My 'Local' Mechanic
Hey Joe, Second Gear, not Top Gear
A Jarring Ride
Phonsavan, Pathet Lao stronghold
Hanoi, Minsk's Second Fix
Snagging repairs after first fix
The Ride Kickstarts
Project Pineapple departs from Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi
The Big House Pitstop
Not reaching the start of the Ho Chi Minh Trail on the first day we make a pitstop at this fine traditional Big House.
Cam Thuy, Start of the Ho Chi Minh Trail
Outside the restaurant, our last meal together before they head north and I south
Project Pineapple Riders
Ben from Australia, with 32 biking trophies to his name, rides the Minsk in Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh's Birth Place
Not far off the Trail to which he gave it's name, Uncle Ho's house
Phong Nga Cave's now Toothless Mouth
Like Venice, Cave Gondaleers have time
Spooked at Trail Crossroads
Tien with Jokers Alain and Ludivec
Moody Mountains of Mordor
The Spooky crossroads of the Trail
Friendly French
Missing a gear change causes a photo op returning to the caves
Chain of Events cause Delays
Tuan speedily replaces clutch and drive chain
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