Head out for a day’s photography with my fat friend Ray. He keeps different hours than the rest of us, so a departure before early afternoon is not feasible. We are heading for Khao Chamao National Park which is south of Rayong and about two hours drive. There are a series of waterfalls and assorted wildlife to potentially poke a lens at.
On the way it rains hard which slows us down, and we do not arrive until 1500, which still gives us 2-3 hours of shooting time; or it would if it were not for the fact that we discover that the park shuts at 1600. Bugger. So, accompanied by a light drizzle, we start the climb into the park and make it to one of the lower waterfalls before it is time to turn back. The rain gets steadily heavier and I am quite grateful to take a couple of snaps and then return down the muddy track. A shame about the branch across the middle of the waterfall. A shame we didn’t have time to climb to the bigger falls.
To get the creamy effect on the water, you need a slow shutter speed, which means you need a tripod. We both brought one. I elect to carry mine into the park, Ray elects to bring an umbrella; which means I get the creamy shot but also get thoroughly soaked. Thankfully, she who must be obeyed had packed me a little bag full of dry clothes, so I was able to drive home in an only slightly soggy state.
On the way back we stop at a Buddha monument on a hill, just to put a few shots on the camera to justify the trip. The weather is still overcast and unpleasant and the results don’t even justify the walk up the steps.
About five hours in the car for not a lot. Resolve to go back to Khao Chamao on a sunnier day and get there with shooting time to spare. And next time it is my turn to carry the umbrella.