Cam Thuy, Start of Ho Chi Minh Trail

Leaving the hotel in Hanoi which had been our base for five days, we set out as a small group on motorbikes to Bach Mai Hospital. It is well known in Vietnamese history regarding colonial wars and has a large mural memorial. For Project Pineapple it is significant as Handicap International, the agency for whom I worked in 2003 in Laos and thus became so poignantly aware of the Cluster Bomb issue, fincanced a limb fitting department for the victims of UXO accidents.

Lighting three incense sticks and placing them in front of the mural to recognise the endurance of the women and children, men also of course, we rode on to the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum. Two hours spent viewing the remarkable pictures portraying the feat of constructing the multi-trail and displayed items including a casing containing cluster bombs we were warmly hosted by the caretaker who was aware of the project.

'Bubblegum' had to return home. Thanks for joining and looking after us so well.

We rode away from the noisy, jostling outskirts of Hanoi and south where we found a traditional Big House guest house where we ate and slept. Even in this rural spot the local cafe served fresh mango yoghurt shakes and eye widening coffee in the morning.

Continuing a bit further south we came to Cam Thuy (Cum Twee), the start of the Hi Chi Minh Trail. Stopping for lunch, Dat found the Minsk mechanic who had one spare indicator lens which was somehow missing. Eating together for the last time, it was time to part.

Thanks Hana for the introduction all your friends in Hanoi. Thanks Dat for the Minsk and publicity support. Thanks Dom for believing in the project and getting yourself and your cameras over here. Ben, big thanks for giving such quiet, big heart support. Miss you all. But see some of you again soon.

Loaded up and ready to roll we rode to the junction. They headed north back to Hanoi. I, on my Minsk, headed south on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.