Itinerary

You can find out everything about getting a passport from the U.S. Post Office.

This tour is open to the Men & Woman of But not limited to the LZ

Russell Association Membership

Here is a TENTATIVE PLAN. We will be changing this itinerary many times as we approach the departure date, so check back often.

Judging by previous trips, estimated cost for everything comes to about $3,000 per person.

Itinerary Slides

Feb 17th, 2009: Leave America for Vietnam.
- Everyone will find their own way to Vietnam.
- Expected flight time; 30 to 25 hours.
  - It is, after all, on the other side of the planet.
Fly into/Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Formerly Saigon VN) Feb19th 2009
- All Accommodations & requests handled by Ms.Anh Dao & Mr Duy in Vietnam can be coordinated by Kenny & Randy.
- Go to Motel
  - Group / Individual accommodations for Motel & taxi service, will be arranged by Anh Dao according to flight arrival times.
Feb 20th 2009, Fly to HUE.
- Round trip Tickets for this flight or any other requested flights will be arranged by Anh Dao.
Feb 20th 2009, Taxi or Bus Service for group from Hue to Dong Ha to Motel,
- To be arranged by MR Duy
Feb 21th 2009, Meeting
- Regarding logistics with all persons going on overnight trip (Feb 24th 2009) to LZ Russell & Mr Duy
Feb 22th 2009, arranged by MR Duy:
- Tour of Rock Pile, Khe Sanh, etc.
Feb 24th 2009, 8:AM leave for LZ RUSSELL.
- Stopping for group breakfast, to be arranged by MR Duy
Feb 24th 2009, early afternoon
- Arrive LZ of FSB Russell.
- Spend the night.
- Bring food and lots to drink.
- Get spiritual, or intrigued...depending on your mindset.
Feb. 25th 2009 Leave LZ of FSB Russell for climb down the hill.
- Mid Afternoon arrive motel Dong Ha for much needed R&R.
Any other after Russell tours & group activities will be decided at a later Date..

On LZ Russell

About the climb:

Barring excessively bad weather that could change the climb starting point, and even the route of the climb itself, everyone should be able to ride to the base of the hill as described below.

Kenny's Frequenty Asked Question:

How steep is the climb up to LZ Russell?
- The best way to descrive the climb is "steep". According to calculations based on my GPS readings; About a 45 degree angle...or that of a typical stair case, without steps, in dirt, and maybe mud. This is what 45 degrees looks like:
  - - The base of the LZ Russell Hill is about 34 feet above sea level.
    - The summit is roughly 1,500 feet asl.
    - The length of the climb is about 1/4 mile (1,320 feet)
- Another way to descrive the climb is "rough".
  - It took me 3 hrs + and I was at 270 lbs last year, not counting my pack...but the trip down is even worse as far as I'm concerned, The picture of me on the trail is after we just came down, I was beat & hot to say the least, I took me 1hr & 30min to come down, which I learned last year is way too fast for me, What concerns me most about coming down is falling or slipping and not being able to stop before crashing into something. With all my weight I'd be like a tank thundering down the hill, LOL
- I just thought that anyone planning on going up to the hill should hear this, Get in shape now, it will definitely help you then.
  - We will also have available personal guides that will help you up & down, If Needed, ( I use one & they are a blessing in the help they give to me )

DETAILS:

Things You Will Need

Passport and a Visa from the Vietnam Embassy (details on how to get all that will be added later)
- Required inoculations (need to get details)
Clothing and grooming Suggestions
- For shopping
- For hiking
- Clothes you can buy in Vietnam
Electronics suggestions
- AC adaptors
- Laptop Computers
- Cameras
  - Film
  - Extra batteries

Travel Tips

Best rates
Customs tips
Tipping
Food and drink
Bring something to read on the plane

Much more will be added to this site as we go along, so please check back often.

Kenny & Randy. are they guys to contact if you have any quesitons.