It rained all Tuesday night but the morning dawned clear. I was still worried about the landslide i had navigated on the way in to Copan. The air was fresh and cool from the nights rain but the river beside the road was still running ominously high and fast. Then i got to a scene of total mayhem. The landslide had grown and also collapsed part of the road, 100 metres down to the river. To top off this scene a semi trailer was bogged down to the axles blocking any access. I was waved to the front and walked the muddy mess where the road had fallen away. There was about a metre gap betwwen the precipice and the bogged down truck. I decided to try. Slipping and sliding with cheers from the crowd i got to the collapsed part, only now 1 metre had become 1 foot. Of course i stalled the bike right there, i have to admit that it was one of the scariest things i have done. Looking at a raging torrent way down below ready to jump to the side. I started the bike and eased him over and then the ground got firmer, I had made it past, the only vehicle to get through at that stage. Wow i made it, as i rode on with a huge smile on my face, which was quickly wiped off a few kilometres further on.
There it was my worst nightmare after the last one. It was like 2 foot deep quicksand. Now i was stuck between landslides. One unimog type truck was parked nearby and i begged the driver to help me load the bike on the back and give it a try. I offered him money but he said he would help for nothing. 6 able bodies hoisted Herbert up onto the back after i off loaded all the luggage and three of us stood on the back holding the bike as the truck ploughed to a stop in the mud. Now we were really stuck. Another truck appeared with a winch and from the road a long strap was attached and the truck with Herbert in one piece was across. I slipped 250 Lempira into the mans pocket and thanked all the helpers, loaded the bike and was shakily on my way 4 hours and 30 kms after starting out. After this i think it may be prudent to stick to the main transport corridors. Two to three days and i should be at the Nicuraguan border.
The roads from the La Entrada were in good condition and i made steady progress firstly to Comaguyua and a proper donut it was bliss. Then a beautiful ride through the mountains from Tegucgalpa to Danli.Heavily wooded pine forest and deep valleys with amazing views down to the plains. I finally stopped eighteen kilometres from the Nicuraguan border,in a town called El Paraiso. The town is surrounded by coffee plantations and you wouldnt believe there isnt a coffee to be had anywhere. I am bracing for an early morning border attempt, they say they get easier after this one, heres hoping.-
