Farewell to Salsa Guesthouse
Good morning from Salsa Guesthouse.
Today began with a heartfelt goodbye to the friendly owner and the house cat who had kept me company during my stay. Their warmth made my time here brighter, and as I loaded up my bike, I whispered a quiet thank you for their kindness.
My goal for the day was a national park in Thailand, known not only for its nature but also as a place where camping is allowed. I was excited to see what awaited me.
A Scary Start and a Comforting Meal
Barely a minute after departure, I nearly found myself in an accident. A motorcycle came rushing up from behind at frightening speed, missing me by only a moment. It was a sharp reminder: in Thailand, checking every direction—front, back, left, and right—is not optional, it’s survival.
Shaken but safe, I stopped for breakfast at a stall run by a kind woman. She served me her homemade fried chicken—crispy, flavorful, and full of energy. Still feeling a little hungry, I added a rice ball to the meal, tucking it carefully into the basket on my handlebar. With that, I was ready to set off again.
The sky was clear, the sun strong but not unbearable, and the road stretched open before me. It felt like the kind of weather that makes cycling a pure joy.
The Unexpected Gift of Sweet Coffee
After two hours of riding, I stopped to rest. While I was sitting there, an older man also paused at the same spot. Without hesitation, he offered me a coffee-like drink.
I accepted it gratefully. The taste was shockingly sweet, almost too much, but the sweetness wasn’t the point. It was his gesture. He didn’t know me, I had nothing to offer in return, yet he chose to show kindness. That small act of generosity filled me with gratitude.
“Thank you,” I said with as much sincerity as I could. In moments like this, I realize how much of my journey is made lighter by the kindness of strangers.
A Sudden Collision with a Small Bird
Back on the road, I thought to myself how perfect the weather was—if only it could stay this way forever. But not long after, an accident occurred.
A small bird flew directly into my face, shattering my cheap sunglasses. For a moment, I froze, worried that the bird might have been badly injured. But it flew off quickly, unharmed. Relief washed over me. Losing a pair of sunglasses was nothing compared to the thought of harming a living creature.
I pedaled on, a little shaken but thankful it ended the way it did.
Arrival at Hammock Beach Camp
Soon the distance to my goal dropped below 10 kilometers. That last stretch always feels easier, as if the road itself is encouraging you to keep going.
Finally, I reached Hammock Beach Camp. And what a view—golden sand, gentle waves, and an atmosphere that instantly made me feel at peace.
The price was also incredible: just 100 baht. Normally, national parks charge around 200 baht for camping, so this felt like a gift. Of course, being privately run, the facilities were not as polished. But if all you want is to pitch a tent by the sea and enjoy the natural beauty, it is more than enough.
Nearby, food was not a problem either. A few food stalls dotted the area, and there was even a 7-Eleven within reach. I chose a noodle stall, savoring the simple meal while looking out over the coastline.
Meeting an Inspiring Cyclist
As I was finishing, another cyclist appeared. His bike and his aura suggested adventure, so I struck up a conversation.
It turned out he was 65 years old and had been living in Thailand for some time, exploring the country by bicycle. Listening to his stories inspired me. He told me that not long ago, he had met another cyclist—this one in his 80s—who was still riding strong.
Eighty years old and still traveling by bike. Hearing that, I felt a fire ignite inside me. If they can keep pushing forward, what excuse do I have? At my age, with my strength, I should not be slowing down but embracing more adventures.
A Night of Quiet Reflection
As the sun set over Hammock Beach, I thought back over the day—the near accident, the unexpected kindness, the broken sunglasses, and the inspiring conversations. Every event, large or small, became part of the journey.
I set up my tent, listening to the waves as they reached the shore. Gratitude filled me again: for safety, for kindness, for the reminder that life is long enough to keep adventuring—if we choose to.
With those thoughts, I drifted into sleep, ready for whatever tomorrow would bring.
