All good things

In retrospect, threads were becoming unwound.

A pain had developed in my right knee. The beauty of the surroundings muted by thoughts of a return to England for a friends wedding. Then news came that crossings at the Thai-Burma border had been suspended.

Listlessness reigned as the forward momentum that a bicycle craves stalled toward inertia.

I stood by a Wat scuffing stones and smoking. Decision eluding me. If in doubt keep on going had been my mantra but I lingered still. A bright hello interrupted my leaden musings as Thawi, a young monk, introduced himself and we got to chatting. On hearing my quandary he explained that it was simple. 'You can cross into Burma at Tachiliek' and offered to give me a lift to Chiang Mai. Just like that, the clouds cleared and the way forward was clear again. No need to retrace pedal strokes. Follow the stream, don't swim against it.

All that was left was to secure my faithful steed to his. 

Pride comes before a fall

Songkran a celebration of the new year is a joyous moment to be in Thailand and a wonderful tonic for a hot bicycle tourer. 

Dusty streets washed clean. The world become water station. Doused by buckets, shot with water pistols I raced west against a background of smiles: Cooled, refreshed and laughing.

Chiang Mai

An overnight sleeper took me north to Chiang Mai. Copying my co-passengers I scaled the narrow ladders and popped into my curtained pod and snoozed away the miles. 

No time for Bang kok

On a cool mornings ride through mist wreathed hills 

An elephant emerges swaying purposefully forward. I gawk delightedly.

It's only natural

Early morning weaving away from the Krabi coast. 

Diptocarping around

Ko Lanta faded beyond the horizon as the last boat trip of this coastal diversion led me towards Trang.

Islands and time floated by 

Island hopping

Back aboard a boat, now heading for Ko Lanta, my poor bicycle wondering when she will be returned to her element.