Day Five – Just outside of Ulsan to Gyeongju City (English summary)


Today’s Distance / 今日の走行距離:28.94km
Time on bike / 走行時間:1h 56m
Average speed / 平均速度:14.9km/h
Total distance to date / 現在までの積算距離:155.8km
Money used / 予算使用:29,600KRW(NZ$49, US$31)

English summary: You know how I said that it was great weather yesterday? Yeah well that was until about 11pm at night. Massive rain turned the river to chocolate whip. My tent got wet even under the pagoda roof. Left the pagoda late at 10:30am, and headed for Gyeonju City. That’s where I am now after getting really wet and deciding to find a place to stay. Nice Korean-style guest house. I’m a bit concerned with the pace at present, but that can’t be helped. No point in pushing it too hard now and not be able to continue later.

確かに昨日のブログでは「今日のキャンプサイトが最高」と書いたと思いますが、途中からの天気は残念ながらそうではなかった。土砂降りでした。生憎の雨は朝、そして一日中強く降っていました。以下の写真で分かると思いますが、近くの川が雨で濃い茶色になりました。夕べに向こう側の河原でテントを張って泊まってた2人は朝になったらいませんでした。テントが張っていたところはもう完全に水につかっている・・・流されたのか・・・

Yesterday / 昨日
Washing me and my clothes / 服と自分を洗う

Today / 今日
See how the colour of the river has changed? / 川の色が・・・

結局夕べのキャンプサイト(屋根つきパゴダ)を出たのは朝10:30でした。もう、一日ここに居ようやという考えもしましたが、結局でることにしました。10時半ごろはもう小雨だったし。

向かったのは一応30km先の慶州市でした。それでそこに泊まることにしました。疲れ的には、前に進んでも全然平気でしたが、雨がとにかくひどかった。カッパの調整が悪かったかのか、どんなカッパを着てもどうしようもなかったのか分かりませんが、慶州市に着いたらもうずぶ濡れ。観光案内所に行ったらキレイな民宿(guest house)を案内してくれました。値段は一泊20,000KRWで予算オーバーだけど、ま、しょうがない。韓国の昔の家です。塀に囲まれていて、真ん中にちょっとした広場があります。明日の天気が良ければ一泊だけにするつもりです。

Put your hand up if you're soaked / ずぶ濡れの人、手上げて!・・・は~い!

全体的には、期待していた走行のペースはできていないことはちょっと気になります。特に気になるのは季節です。寒い天候が来る前に中央アジアを通らないととても厳しい目にあうはずです。1ヶ月間の身体の調子を読みながら様子を良く見ないといけません。


Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

7 thoughts on “Day Five – Just outside of Ulsan to Gyeongju City (English summary)

  • Murdo

    Hey Rob,

    Wow man you actually left Beppu behind on your adventure! I just found your site thru Joel's blog page and have been reading about how you are progressing…What a fantastic journey to be on, I look forward to following your trip. The very best of luck and take care,

    Murdo

  • Mike C

    Lucky the river didn't come up much higher! Everyone's in awe of you Rob. And I'm pretty jealous, wish I could be with you on my own recumbant bicycle! Thanks for putting regular posts down. Loving watching your adventure unfold. The photos are great – keep them coming too if you can.

  • Matt Monahan

    Rob,

    Hang in there, man. Starting slow and bogged down will only make it that much sweeter when you finally break out! I just got a recumbent and love it. I'll be riding to work each day this coming school year (I'm a teacher) and hope to get in better shape than I am now (totally new muscles being used!). You've become a bit of a hero of mine!

    By the way, how do you keep such a nice bike from getting ripped of when you sleep on the beach or stop at a cafe?

    We're praying for your safety and travels.

    Matt.

    Chattanooga, TN USA

  • Uncle Peter

    Go you good thing. Start off the way you mean to carry on – both with travel and updates. What would life be without a problem or two. What's He teaching you thru this unique lesson?

  • Rob Thomson Post author

    Matt, I carry a 2m long wire lock to deter thieves. However I am thinking of also getting a D-lock. I am of the opinion however that even though it is a very expensive bike, how would a Korean guy explain to his mates how he managed to get a German made recumbent bicycle when there are no recumbent stores within Korea (or at least very few). Kind of stands out. It is in itself a thief deterrant.

  • Rob Thomson Post author

    Uncle Peter, the biggest lesson I'm learning at present is that getting used to new ways of living takes time but it does happen. Packing my gear each morning is taking less time, I'm getting used to communicating without words, getting used to when I should be cycling and when I should be resting…