Had another Bike ride out to Ban Muang taking the off road route there. Returned down the main highway until Ban Chan where I turned off again and came home via Lao Luang and Kham Maet. When I arrived back in Ban Dung they had had another downpour but I saw no rain the entire day.
Andrew
Thung Fon
Went to Thung Fon by a different route than usual Passing Jerrys Plantation nearBan Chang Noy. It was Market Day in Thug Fon and a New tesco Express has also opened in the villgae opposite the Market Green. Returned again via a different route heading out to Ban Bo Rang then cutting Back to Ban Kham Na Di to explore a new route.. Instead of the track I was expecting it was a Tarmac’d road and easy going. I made a detour on the return Via Phon Sung to go and see How he rice was progressing. Although the paddys were in good condition the rice is still waiting for a warm spell for it to rippen.
Ban Daeng
Went to Ban Daeng Today(Phibunrak) to try and complete my map of the Amphoe. I located Three other villages which leaves me with approx another 3 to visit. Water Levels remain high everywhere but all roads were passable.
Mekong
Went to Phon Phisai today to look at the Mekong . I decided to go the long way round through Ban Pho as I was convinced the short cut from Thon Na lab would be underwater. It was therefore 3 hours before I got there. The water levels were very high just a few feet below the promenade along the front.
Mekong in full flood
I decided to return via Sang Khom but 8km out of Phon Phisai at a cross roads was a sign saying floods and 1 meter behind it was this.
Nothing like a bit of advanced warning. It was too deep to attempt to get through so I tried to detour through the village on the right hand side. However every road out of it went down to the flood again. Instead of returning to Phon Phisa I opted to try again taking the other road at the cross roads. After 5-6 k it emerged onto a Tarmac road which I remembered took me to Ban Na Nang and from there then onto Nong Hoi. From Nong Hoi I headed back to Ban Pho only to me met by more flooded roads with no way round. While I was contemplating what to do a couple of Motor bikes emerged out of the floods – I therefore decided to wade through – not attempting to cycle because of hidden potholes. After half a kilometer I emerged back onto dry road and Carried on. With my water bottles empty I detoured to the House at Non Prasoet for a short break and a drink of cold water. I eventually got home after 8 hours – A trip not to be repeated in the rainy season.
Rainy Season
The rainy season continues with more heavy rains in the night. The red roads are all turning to mud with deep ruts, , many have streams running down them or across them.
Stream down the road
Bridge repairs
The Bridge repairs continue on the Ban Muang Road with two of the bridges now replaced and another one nearing completion. It looks however as though they are going to widen the one at the edge of town where the road currently marrows from two lanes to one.
Weather
Have been up to Sang Khom to Locate the names of some more villages to finish my Map of the area. The Skys were overcast for most of the day and the water levels remain high.
High water levels
Decided to return by going round the lake. At Ban Maet the road was completely under water as far as the eye could see.
The road used to be here
The only way seemed to be to use a boat or turn around. I chose the Latter.
Fishing Boats
I had intended to go and see how the solar power station was progressing but because of the time lost doubling back I came the direct way home.
Moon festival
Tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival aso Known as the Moon festival dating back to Moon Worship and parallels the Autumn Equinox . Today many people are preparing food to take to the temples tomorrow.