It had been unanimous that having hit it off so well yesterday that
Jordan, Deia and I should spend another day together. To that end, we
re-engaged Mr To To and decided on a 05:00 start from my hotel. After a
full hour waiting on the roadside there hadn't been sight nor sound of
anyone, but that's when the 2 young Israeli's appeared. They too had
waited but our driver and guide had failed to show so we quickly decided
to do the trip on our own. Nam Nagum Lake is some 60 or more miles from
where we stood so we quickly boarded a Tuk Tuk to take us to the
Southern Bus Terminus. Public transport doesn't run as far as Keo
Oudou, the nearest village, but after buying fruit and water from the
local stalls we were well on our way. At the closest point to our
destination we tried for a lift, and on first time of asking got a man,
his wife and tiny baby to take us to the next village.
In the 4 x 4 was something none of us
had ever seen before and that was a live TV incorporated in the rear
view mirror, anyone else have that on their Life List?
Taking us firstly to their home, Jordan helped with unloading the sacks of rice, or whatever it was,
while the rest of the family, Mum and 4 more children were introduced.
We were offered drinks and the best hospitality before being whisked off to meet the local guide who
was
happy to lead us but only on his terms. We didn't want a guide anyway
and there was a certain air of dissatisfaction when we went our own way
but after all it was only a direct track to the waterfall.
The
news we received en-route was all bad, in as much that the locals 'eat'
all the wild birds they manage to catch hence not a lot to see.
However, on the 'plus side' this was a complete Insect Paradise, especially Butterflies so here is some of what we saw.
At
the 'check point' about 2 'clicks' down the track there were the most
Butterflies and a couple of lads with motorbikes, this would make the
going a little easier we thought, but NO!
It
is rare or, in our own experiences, unheard of for young Asian lads to
turn down a 'fist full' of Kip for their services, but for whatever
reason they wouldn't or couldn't take us so we continued on foot.
Another
mile up the road and the humidity and the ankle were getting to me, so
decided to go back alone. At the same barrier a couple of other people
had arrived and doing my Long John Silver limping impersonation managed
to persuade the new arrival to take me to the main track.
A
blessing in disguise as where he dropped me off there was this shack
which offered shade, while he, I thought, had pointed me in the right
direction back to the capital with the promise of a bus at some point.
I did hitch one lift who told me I was heading in the wrong direction
followed by a General Purpose lorry which along with a bag showing the
words PORTLAND CEMENT (I thought I was in Easton) under the man front left, the other 'parcels'
contained lumps of dead pig. Anyway, any port in a storm and after an
even more bumpy ride I was back at SB Terminus.
Luckily,
the 3 of us had arranged to meet in the evening for a beer and proper
farewell, where they told me they too had decided better of continuing
the full walked and had similar fortunes to myself getting back.
Finally,
when I got 'on line' there were messages from the 2 Skinny Kids on the
Buchan Alpha Oil Rig, the first from Jim the Medic.
This will show what sort of mates he and his Lady Liz are, they wait until I'm out of the way
then go to see Joe Bonamassa - it'll cost them in the long run.
While Billy Crumble was busily recording wildlife on and around the rig in my absence.
ATLANTIC GREY SEAL with what looks like a PLAICE, note 140 metres of water under the Buchan
SPARROWHAWK
and
SHORT-EARED OWL
glad to see you still at it Crumble!
glad to see you still at it Crumble!
