Irrawaddy Dolphins

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Said goodbye to my cosy bungalow, crosseed the river to be packed in a minibus, which drove deep down a mud track into a large forest, it was all a bit Hansel and Gretel, but without the breadcrumbs, or the witch. No it was the way to cross out of Laos, and into Cambodia, despite fears of major rip off the ''admin fees' from the guards were only one dollar (bargained down in a rare moment of bravery) on the Laos side, and 2 dollars getting into Cambodia, fairs fair, you have less bargaining power trying to enter a country.

Then a car to some ferry, a dodgy ferry crossing, it had a big crane on it which they had to keep moving back and forth to prevent us toppling over, then waded to shore which they could not quite get to and got another minibus, there were 21 wanting to go to Krati, and only 16 seats, not a problem, they put 5 on the roof! and compensated them with a can of Anghor beer, this was hilarious enough but then 3 more people were alowed to join the roof party during the journey. I had a seat but I'm informed that apart from the hot sun and dust it was rather fun.

Got to Kratie, scruffy market town, but found a great cosy guesthouse so spent a day actually just reading from the book exchange and making friends, then today got a group together to go see the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins, only about 100 left they hang out in the Mekong 15kms north of Kratie, we saw them but the only picture I got was of a fin and a bit of head, at some distance, but you can see it on zoom.

Anyone reading this approaching the area, we got transport/boat/conservation fees for 8 dollars alltogether and there were a few of the little fellas about so at this time of year if you want to see them, Kratie prob better than up in Laos where they are apparently not really hanging out just now.

So added to my dolphin spotting and was guilty of hanging around the guesthouse in the way that I try not to, but Kratie itself not that overfilled with places to eat, things to see etc,

Down to the big city in the morning, Phnom Phenh.

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Photos

Suset over Mekong
No good dolphin photos, they are so quick.

Irrawady Dolphin
you have to zoom in but it's there