Well the trek through northern Vietnam is over - and what an amazing experience! We saw some unforgettable sights up in the beautiful hills - from majestic water buffalo to comical Vietnamese potbellied pigs and stayed with host families, including a delightful family from the Red Dao tribe, one of a number of charismatic ethnic minority communities that inhabit this spectacular area of northern . Oh, and we stumbled across some rather revolting leeches that attached themselves to our walking boots and tee-shirts. There were fifteen trekkers in all and together we crossed dodgy suspension bridges and fast-flowing rivers and ducked beneath row upon row of massive spider webs (quite an ordeal for one trekker who is arachnophobic), walking for up to 10 hours a day on occasions.
On the final day we visited Animals Asia's moon bear sanctuary,which is located in the beautiful , a couple of hours from . The bears, including several cubs, were a delight, romping around without a care in the world. We had seen these magnificent creatures on the internet, but nothing quite prepares you for seeing them in the flesh. It was a delight to witness their obvious joy at being free from fear and pain. It just makes you want to walk a hundred more miles to bring this miserable bear bile trade to an end.
My challenge was also carried out in memory of my sister, Alex, who was an animal lover too - she's pictured with her rescued cat, Charlie.
Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me for this trek. Every penny raised through donations has gone to help the animals.
The sponsored Underwater Chess Match in September went really well. We will know the final figure hopefully at the end of October. Proceeds from this event will be shared between AAF and Help for Heroes. Watch this space!
Next up is our stall at the hugely popular Dickensian Day in Formby Village on Saturday, 5th December. Once again, the lovely, big-hearted Betty has been working all hours to craft her magnificent pieces of Dichroic glass jewellery - and the most gorgeous hand-made Christmas cards - to sell for the bears, dogs and cats. Don't miss out on these fabulous Christmas gifts.
PS. If you have a little time, please visit AAF's website at www.animalsasia.org to see the enormous challenges they face in trying to bring an end to the vile bear bile trade, and in restoring respect for all animals across Asia. It'll inspire you, I promise!
