We made our arrangements through Cat Ba Ventures, Mr Tung, did a great job coordinating everything. They coordinated picking us up at the train station returning from Sa Pa, and took us to a fast ferry to Cát Bà Island. Where Mr Hien our guide, met us with a sign and an ever present smile. I can’t say enough about Mr Hien. Incredibly pleasant and a wealth of information. We did an amazing walk, in the Cat Ba National Park, through the jungles of Cat Ba. Cat Ba historically was called Cac Ba. Ba means Woman, so it traditionally meant Women’s Island. The Woman’s Island, and the National Park was beautiful and also steamy hot! We also visited a cave complex called Hang Quan Y, that was used during the war as a hospital for injured soldiers. The cavern was chosen to help protect the hospital from air strikes. It was a surreal experience, with life sized manikins used to show the injured troops. Mr Hien is younger than I, so neither he or I were involved in the war. However both of our fathers had been in the military, though neither directly in the war. We agreed that it was past history and looked forward to continued good relations. The cavern complex was interesting, both a beautiful cavern and a haunting reminder of the past. Because of the low light available, the photos did not turn out as well as possible. Actually we had foggy, overcast skies for all but one day of our trip, so the photos are not as “ bright and sunny” as hoped. I am not a big fan of the Sony Carl Ziess 24-70mm F4 lens. I have since replaced it with a Tamaron 28-74mm F2.8 that is much sharper.
Soon after a quick breakfast our boat arrived at the dock. This one was much larger, but not huge. We had a small, two cabin ship, to ourselves, with our terrific guide Mr Hien, the captain and a cook/mate at our service.
Ha Long Bay, is a surreal, mystical place, with dramatic Karst rock formations jutting from the Bay. Ha Long means Descending Dragon, and the rock formations evoke dragons, floating islands and otherworldly visions. Designated a World Heritage Site, it should be on everyone’s travel list. From tiny junks, to party boats, to luxurious paddle wheelers there is an trip and a budget for everyone. Mr Hien directed us to a small boat, somewhat of a water taxi, that would take us to our first night stay at a bungalow in Nam Ca. It was super interesting to watch them careful decide where I should sit. I told them I weighed 100 Kilos and pounded my chest. I was much heavier then. Mr Hien’s eyes got round with surprise, and he turned around and told the boat captain in Vietnamese what I had said. He too looked amazed and they both gawked at me with a little bit of awe, almost adulation. Mr Hien said he weighs 50 kilos. Apparently they thought you had to be very wealthy to be that overweight.
Nam Ca was a beautiful small resort. We arrived in time to stroll on the small beach and wade in the water. We helped ourselves (honor system you marked down what you had) to a cold drink. Veronika was going to help herself to a Orange Crush. Thankfully I noticed she was headed towards the Buddhist or Family alter where the soda was given as an offering or a tribute. I pointed her to the correct sodas, international or Buddhist faux pas averted.
The tide went out and there was a dramatic decrease in the water level. You can see in the photos below, the water dropped to the level that the pilings from the hotel buildings were exposed. An under water cable also lay exposed, providing the little island with power. Across the bay we could hear party music in the distance. But our little island was serene and peaceful. We awoke at dawn with the hope to catch a beautiful sunrise. While it was stunningly beautiful we never did see the sunrise. The karst rock outcroppings rose out of the mist, adding to the drama of the amazing waterscape. The sun continued to be hidden behind a haze or fog. I was beginning to think of myself as Misty Man, the photographer that could not get a clear, haze free shot. We took some nice pictures anyway. Besides being a good photographer, Veronika looks very good in front of the camera.
Chinese Type Sailing Junk
Soon after a quick breakfast our boat arrived at the dock. This one was much larger, but not huge. We had a small, two cabin ship, to ourselves, with our terrific guide Mr Hien, the captain and a cook/mate at our service.
