I came back here specially to make the climb to Bokor Hill station. It was the worst tour I have ever taken. Bokor was built by the French in the 1920's by forced labourers. Many died building the casino, Catholic church and Royal palace and other buildings. The French chose this loacation because of the 3,000 elevation. It is noticably cooler than at sea level. Everything was abandoned long ago. There was a fierce two month battle there between the Vietnamese and the Khmer Rouge in 1979 Viet invasion.
There were two groups that day. Each group was escorted by a park ranger armed with an AK 47. I had heard, to protect the hikers from bandits, or tigers.
Our group was about 13 people from several countries. I soon divided the group into young and old. The trip was up hill almost all the way. Much of it climbing up washed out gullies. Our group left second about 15 minutes after the first group. Immediately, we became separated, the youngsters streaking off up the mountain. Our guide stayed back with the oldsters. After awhile I became separated from everyone. As the trail became narrower I began to fear I was lost. At one of the flat bits, I heard voices. Khmer voices. Two groups of men passed me. Many were wearing backpacks fashioned from woven plastic gunny bags. I at least was reassured I was on the trail but worried I'd be beat up, robbed, or worse.
I struggled ever upward. Being out of shape, overweight and on beta blockers didn't help. I heard more voices ahead. I had caught up with the first goup, whose guide had kept them together going at the slowest persons pace.
The end wasn't the end but at the road to the top. Berney, David and two Australians arrive about 30 minutes after me.
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