A new passion for wooden boats

I have a passion for things crafted out of wood. It took on a new dimension one day while driving back from Cha Am.. I came across an open yard full of old wooden boats - large & small!

As I strolled amongst them, a few sleek and elegant boats caught my eye. To my disappointment, they were all sold! These are hard to find nowadays I was told; soon as one arrives it is snatch up by clients in queue. I asked to be on the waiting list too. More than 3 months passed since, none available. Hmm.. this is going to a collectors item I reckon!

I content with another interesting boat (built for irrigation) being restored as a book shelf. These are selling pretty fast too, judging from the dwindling stocks each time I dropped by.





















This is how the boat is mounted with water pump and a push handle at rear.





















Once I dropped by and this one just arrived (its design originated from Ayuthaya). It was the first of such design they acquired. It is elegantly shaped with beautiful curves and I wasted no time to make an offer! When I took delivery several weeks later.. many wanted it too and they had standing orders to duplicate 4 of it.





















P'Moo knew of my new hobby and came to check out what I've got last weekend. He is also on look out for me through his network of friends. He took me to Samut Songkhram to view this one made of teak but painted. "I'll show you how it is like when the paint are removed at a friend's restaurant." he said.
















So off we went to Don Hoi Lot, at the river mouth of Mae Klong. The restaurant owner P'Mon is an avid collector of beautifully crafted boats too!
















The one similar displayed at his restaurant... not many are around too!
















I had an eyeful of his collections displayed here. The large one at bottom of photo is made out of a single tree trunk!
















There are probably ten or so around!





































His latest acquisition is still under restoration at a workshop.. so we set off again. On the way we visited another boat shop off the main road (wouldn't find it if on my own). A couple of the design I seek was on display. My jubilation was short lived as they were sold too!

This is the most beautiful I've seen so far! It is carved out of a single log, wish I can have it too!





















P'Moo and his friend P'Mon posing by its side.
















The end shaped like an alligator's mouth, decorated with finely crafted bronze lining.
















Another shot before we leave! What a beauty!

"Arm chair" Birding in Kaeng Krachan NP

A few weeks back, my brother came through Thailand. Though he'd been to Bangkok numerous times before, never been to places outside the capital except visiting shipyard clients in Chon Buri.

I asked him to plan for a couple of days and showed him around this time. In brief, took him around to Don Wai market, Amphawa, Samut Songkhram, Petchaburi & Kaeng Krachan NP.






















Of course we had diner & whisky with my bird farming friends one evening. He had a bottle of Gin to go with whisky. What? Gin & Chivas! Never before we drank this way! Another "Odd Mix"!

Everyone got high.. P'Moo & P'Jiap had to drive 20KM back to Ban Laem afterwards! Called P'Jiap next day to ensure all are well.. his speech was still muffled with hangover. That was funny!

My brother summed up his trip; "Never before I experienced Thailand this way! People are so warm and friendly too."

What did he like most? Don Wai Market and the idyllic Amphawa experience.

However, something was special for me to Kaeng Krachan NP this time... we took an hour boat ride out to Ginseng Island. It wasn't the temple there that thrilled me.. but some absolutely beautiful birds we saw along the walking trial round the island!

Wow.. we trailed the birds as they hopped playfully from tree to tree. Again, I was intrigue with an urge to identify that specie.

Tonight in between watching the market, I tried my luck checking it out on Google... searching for images on "Kaeng Krachan National Park".

To my surprise indeed.. many pictures of bird species posted by birders who visited Kaeng Krachan. Well, I succeeded in my mission too.. this is it:
The Greater Flameback!




















More species I came to know....

Black & Red Broadbill














Blue-throated Barbet





















Blue-wing Leafbird





















Emerald Dove














Long Tail Broadbill
















Mountain Imperial Piegon





















Ratchet Tailed Treepie




















Red Bearded Bee-eater
















Red Wattled Lapwing
















White Browed Shrike Babler














Some unidentifies species:
Hornbill (??)









































Seen butterflies scene like this while on visit to Karen Village before












Beautiful creatures, aren't they?
Not a bad idea supplement my visit to Kaeng Krachan NP this way!
Have I become a birder by chance?