Tim is currently emptying the Lake ( A way to catch all the fish). Then she is going to spray it with a fungicide to kill off any bacteria before it fills again when the rains commence in a few months time.
Andrew
Charoen Sin
Had another ride out to Charoen Sin. Like the first time I visited there were Pedeloes on the Lake and food stalls along the front. I will have to try and find when these events occur. However because it was an overcast and windy day not many people were about and nobody was on the lake or in the water.
Ban Daeng
Had a ride out to Ban Daeng (Phibunrak) . The new statues of Budha being built in the temple grounds are nearing completion.
Staues of Budha being built in Ban Daeng
On the way Home via Na Sai one of the new Rice Combines was harvesting a second crop of rice.
Rice Combine at work Near Na Sai
These are becoming a more familiar site & will no doubt lead to less work for the Thai labourers and the inevitable consequences.
New Routes & Dead Ends
Still maintaining my Biking regime on every other day. In the process I am covering New ground and have recently done new routes around Nong Han, Soem, Sank Khom , Phen Thung Fon etc. On one occasion I came across a new Tarmac road that came to an abrupt end after 3k in a sugar cane field. After following a rough bike track for a 100m it came out on a foot bridge across a river and then a small track continued into the next village. Unfortunatley I forgot to take a photo.
This is a river near Kham Si in the district of Fao Rai.
River Near Kham Chi
As a consequence my Map has now a lot more village names on it and I have changed the priority of many roads, either up to a tarmac road or downgraded them to a dirt road.
The Mekong
Went up to the Mekong again today on new route. Continuing on from a spot I had reached before & then turned back . En Route I hit a thunderstorm but it was quite refreshing and hit the main route along the Mekong in 3 hrs.
Highway 212
Returned via a route I went to the Mekong over 4-5 years ago , the leg to Sangkom went surprisingly quick & from there I did a varied route back Home.
Two days later I went to Ban Chiang going out the boring route to Nong laat then back via Thung Fon.
Temple at Ban Chiang
This time the weather was hot again & it was not so enjoyable despite being a slightly shorter route.
M&B Mansions Hotel
M&B Mansions Hotel
Situated near the Hospital the rooms are big and all have WiFi, air conditioning, TV, small fridge,and toilet and shower. You can have a small breakfast of eggs, bacon, tea/coffee and toast in the morning to start the day off. Prices start from 500baht. Contact details for M&B Mansion: mb_bandung@hotmail.com
Office 042 273859
Web Site http://www.mbbandunghotel.com/
Mobile 085 0021170
Wat Thidti Thamaraam
Had a return Trip to this temple I passed before but without my Camera it is situated in Amphoer Charoen Sin set amongst Gardens and Pools.
Wat Thidti Thamaraam
There is a large car park area but there was nobody around when I went but definitley worth another visit & look around
Gardens at Wat Thidti Thamaraam
Ban Dung – Road Widening
They are now extending the dual carriage way out to Ban Dung Yai ( on the Salt road) work is well underway including widening the bridges on that side of town . With more car show rooms and shops opening by the day Ban Dung is growing into a major town & well past village status. Non of the surrounding Amphoers compare in facilities & size unless you go to Udon Thani or Nong Khai. Even Sawang Daen Din though it has some major shops does not offer the spread of facilities for example it has no Farang Bars but Ban Dung has 3 & the market is Tiny in comparison. Watch this space !!.