Tomorrow I depart on my little big adventure to photograph lunatics paddling pieces of plastic down a raging river. Yes, it’s the big SUP trip and she who must be obeyed does not want me to go.
It will not have escaped the attention of those who live in this fine country that it has been pissing down for the past week or so. There are floods in many parts of the country, people have died. An ideal time then for jumping into the no doubt swollen river Kwai, armed with nothing more than a SUP board and a paddle. Or, in my case, sitting in a tiny, leaking boat with 400,000 baht’s worth of camera equipment just aching to be lost overboard.
She who must be obeyed cares not about my camera equipment, but she rather touchingly seems to care about me and she has been suggesting that I should call off the trip. But checks have been made and it has indeed been confirmed that the side rivers are the path to certain death, but that the main river is no problem at all. This remains to be seen; but if the lunatics are prepared to paddle, then I am prepared to photograph them; although I will of course be wearing three life jackets and full scuba gear, just in case.
I am hitching a ride with Antony who has a fine collection of music and a vehicle in which we can ford torrents should the need arise. He sent me an e-mail asking if I knew how to get there. Naturally I had to put him in his place:
*“Obviously some role clarification is required.
Your job: Driving, navigating, spotting purveyors of excellent coffee, DJ, provider of witty stories and remarks.
My job: Sharp intakes of breath at your driving, drinking coffee, making rude remarks at your music selection, snoring.
You better get on it then.” * That seemed to shut him up, and since then Craig has sent us regular updates on the route which looks easy enough for Antony to follow without me having to get involved too much. Craig has also sent us suggestions on what to take:
Packing list Life jacket or impact vest. Leg Leash. Sun screen, Insect repellent, hat, sunglasses, (booties and gloves are optional for shore visits and blisters). One set of dry warm, but thin clothing, (thermals ideal) in a plastic bag to be carried on photographers/support boat. Phone in an aqua pack if you have. Rubber chicken. (just in case)
Once she who must be obeyed knows that I have a rubber chicken stuffed down my trousers, she will stop worrying about me.