Kanchanaburi, Saturday
The Sai Yok River View charged the not at all exhorbitant rate of 600 baht a night, for which you got bed, breakfast and evening meal; and an extremely pleasant setting.
There was a concern from some that the river was flowing too rapidly to be safe. Personally I was not concerned because I was to be sitting in a boat photographing all the people who were going to get into trouble; but catch-lines were installed in front of the resort and people went out to try paddling up river and then returning safely to the resort. Antony got caught out by the current and his board ended up under the pontoon and wanted Antony to join it courtesy of the strap by which he was attached to the board. Board and Antony were dragged to safety.
The plan was for the boards and riders to launch 12 kilometres upstream and then paddle back to the resort. Thus ensued a debate amongst the alpha males (this did not include me, I am an epsilon male) as to the best strategy to employ. It was like that children’s puzzle where a farmer wants to get a duck, a fox, a pigeon and a werewolf across a river (your version may vary), except this puzzle involved boards, riders, support boats and assorted vehicles. Eventually, the boards went up by road and were unloaded and launched, not always with complete success.
We then drifted down the river Kwai for a couple of hours, and a very enjoyable, back to nature, experience is was too.
Sadly, it was not all unspoiled nature and the peace was occasionally broken by a bargeload of tourists being towed down the river.
After an excellent lunch, we headed back up river and did it all again. As the shadows lengthened, some decided that the cruise would go better with some beer as a companion.
For others, it all became too much and they had to lie down.
