| caption: |
Chapter Four. Above the Clouds |
| caption: |
cane bridge over the Dikhu river |
| text: |
Deep down in the stuffy, jungle-filled valley we crossed the Dikhu River. Its flooded, coffee-brown waters, carrying broken branches and whole uprooted trees, surged and gurgled between its banks. High above, a delicate cane bridge spanned the turbulent waters. Suspended by numerous cane ropes from the branches of the high trees on either bank, it seemed as fragile as any fluttering spider's web spun overnight between two bushes. Three or four rows of bamboos formed a floor, and a fairly high, plaited railing provided a certain security, once you had embarked on this swaying journey. How thankful I was to reach the other side, and after what seemed an interminable time, to climb down the ladder on to firm ground! Yet our heavily burdened porters seemed unconcerned and quite at ease. |
