« A Wat and Two Monkeys | Main | A Dog's Life »

June 30, 2006

The Southwest Monsoon

Click on image to play video (high speed connection advised).

LOCATION: Cha'am, Thailand
SEE WHERE WE ARE!
Longitude: N: 12.79823°
Latitude: E: 099.98347°
Miles from Singapore: 1360

For the past three days since entering the narrow neck of the Thai peninsular, the 'Isthmus of Kra' (great sounding name!), the rain has been relentless. It's the start of the southwest monsoon season from now until the end of September, so it's time to get used to being wet ALL the time.

Actually in the tropics it's quite refreshing. And the added cloud cover provides welcome protection from the direct attention of the sun that proved so draining up through Malaysia.

The downside is the road condition. Passing trucks throw up a cloud of oily filth when they pass, reducing visibility. And the amount of gear I'm lugging behind me - mostly electronic gear for filming the documentary series and sending back these vlogs - means the rig is pretty heavy (around 150-175lbs) and liable to wobble out of control if I lose concentration. And at the end of the day everything, including myself, is covering from head to foot in grime which takes a good hour to clean off. Then there's servicing and oiling the moving parts of the drive chain exposed to the wet.

So on reflection perhaps more sun with less rain would be preferable...

jason

Posted on June 30, 2006 4:40 PM

Comments

When we used BOB trailers for the Overland Australia section I swore I'd never go back to regular panniers. Easier on the bike, easier to handle and much easier going in sand/rough terrain.

Currently both camping and finding cheap places to stay - around 50/50.

jason

Posted by: jason x360 [TypeKey Profile Page] at July 1, 2006 1:37 PM

Hi Jason, been wondering for years about the quality and usability of the BOB single wheel bike trailer. whats your opinion, you are certainly qualified to give. How do you clean off the grime, are you camping or finding low priced accomodations with shower. R

Posted by: ROBERT [TypeKey Profile Page] at June 30, 2006 6:29 PM