Gaurs, Grom and Gibbons

13th - 16th February:
We spent the last 4 days based on a small island (100 square meters) in the upper north reservoir. When we arrived at the island we heard a huge crashing and rumbling sound. Then an almighty splashing sound. We followed the sound on the boat to a second island about 15 meters away. Our Thai guides jumped off the boat and dived into the forest. Just as I was about to jump onto the island there was again a huge crashing sound. Immediately followed by Grom our guide diving through the bamboo immediately followed by a Bull Gaur (Asian buffalo) at least a ton in weight. The Gaur then charged into the lake and swam to the mainland while we all stood about laughing and cheering Grom.

We normally have some free time in the evening and while we were stationed in the far northern section of the dam we decided to go on boat safaris each evening. One of the evenings we were fortunate enough to observe Gibbons and Leaf monkeys in the same tree. Leaf monkeys we have seen before but never Gibbons, despite hearing them hooting and hollering every morning since we arrived.

I have just now booked flights to Cambodia to spend four days there in March. This time I have checked the visa situation before hand so I can actually enter the country and not receive a patronizing email from my dear mother again!

Northern Reservoir