(cont. from Page 13)........The district town of Pathiew is 20 kilmetres north but I’m expecting not much more than deserted beaches, caves and viewpoints. The village of Saphli, 2 kilometres north of Haad Thung Whua Laen on the main road from Chumphon to Pathiew, is a starting point. I head north along the highway. .
Chumphon Raptor Centre, Khao Dinsor (Pencil Hill)……..Just a few kilometres along the highway, signposted to the left, is Chumphon Raptor Centre but as I ride up the 150 metres or so to the visitor centre it’s clear my efforts are a little premature. The centre isn’t manned and appears to be a new project. The visitor centre is almost complete but lacking the final touches. From research I learn that this is a premier location for observing many species of migrating raptors at close range seasonally between August and November. Several websites are devoted to this specialist subject. The centre itself is located half way up Pencil Hill and already presents spectacular views of the Chumphon coastline. From the centre a pathway leads to the summit at an elevation of over 350 metres, the highest point in Chumphon province. Naturally this attracts ornithologists from far and wide.
Ao Bang Son (from a local species of tree)……..This is a larger bay running north from Saphli. The bay can be accessed from the beach road which affords views of the bay in places. There are a few small resorts and restaurants but for the most part is deserted. I ventured down one narrow cement road edged by rubber trees and palm-nut trees. The long beach is populated only by rubbish washed up by the ocean. I note the familiar islands on the horizon, their shapes altered by at this more northerly location. .
Tahm Khao Bang See-ub…….. This is a small Buddhist shrine at the base of a hill set in a small cave (tahm). Worth a look! On the way I can appreciate the importance of cash crops to local people. As well as the harvesting of pine nuts for processing and coconuts, the drying of the white sap from the rubber trees can be observed. .
Pathiew ……..I proceed into Patiew unfortunately missing a more important cave a few kilometres off the highway but it’s time for lunch: First a visit to the train station. It’s here my plan A becomes redundant. A little after 1pm a DRC (diesel rail car….also know as a ‘sprinter’) from Surat Thani arrives heading for Bangkok and that sets me thinking! The DRC is a 2nd class air-conditioned service and can only be pre-booked to guarantee a seat. They are usually full a day or two in advance. The service is comparable with tour buses and minivans. I figure that little else could be achieved by staying the night in Chumphon. Plan A in any case involved taking a minivan at some stage probably at Cha-Am ........(cont. on Page 15)