Tag: nature

Hiking to Inle Lake – day two

Hiking to Inle Lake – day two

We had a very early start as the aim was to arrive at one end of Inle lake by lunchtime so we could explore the lake by boat in the afternoon and we had quite a few miles to cover. The landscape was beautiful in 

Hiking to Inle Lake – day one

Hiking to Inle Lake – day one

We chose a two day hiking trip. You only have to carry what you need for one night and lots of water. The rest of the luggage is taken directly to the final stop ready to collect at the end of the hike. We started 

Exploring hidden Mangrove Forests

Exploring hidden Mangrove Forests

The other good thing about being on a boat with a small group of people and an incredibly knowledgeable guide, in this case the wonderfully enthusiastic Willie, is that you get shown little secret places that you would never find on your own, or are not suitable for big groups. This little bay around Phang Nga was one of those occasions. I particularly liked being able to jump off the boat and swim ashore explore and swim back at my leisure. On this occasion Willie took a dingy ashore so I was able to have my phone to take pictures.

The mangrove forest acts as a protective buffer for the islands especially in the case of a tsunami or other large swell of water. Their complex root systems are a fantastic habitat for all sorts of sea life to flourish as it provides protection from weather and larger predators. It is a breeding ground for smaller creatures almost like a nursery for sea life.

This particular forest was hidden away off to the side of the beach through a gap in the rocks. While we were exploring we came across groups of flying squirrels which look and sound very much like large bats. It was fascinating watching them high up in the trees.

 

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A little break from Temples in Laos

A little break from Temples in Laos

I thought it might be time for a little interlude from temples before temple fatigue sets in as there are plenty more to come! So today let me take you back to Laos to the Kuang Si Falls. If you are anywhere near to Lauang Prabang 

Elephants, bananas and mud!

Elephants, bananas and mud!

I am finally sitting down for five minutes to collect my thoughts and write some posts. Its been a bit of a whistle stop and hectic trip so far but all very good. This week I was able to tick something of my bucket list