Yesterday's weather forecast was unfortunately quite accurate: heavy downpours in the morning, getting slightly better in the afternoon. We left in a real downpour indeed, so bad that after 10' we stopped to take shelter. It lasted for almost an hour, then the rain became just heavy so we decided to get moving. It rained heavily for about 2 hours, then only it got a bit better. And from then it was on and off, but never less than a drizzle. It was beautiful and pleasant cycling however, it's a pity the weather spoiled it a bit (well, a lot actually).
 |
| Getting ready to leave Pannika Resort in Kraburi, in rain jacket, with the rain going from a drizzle to a downpour as soon as we leave. |
 |
| Taking shelter after 10' because of really have rain, later on we moved to a better place in the back of this fuel station where we could sit for a while (and make HOT coffee) |
 |
| After an hour of cycling we stopped for breakfast, the street was lined with small shops selling "pau" (filled steamed buns). We had been told about this place in advance, so this was "planned". |
Well, such a bad rain makes you happy with a drizzle, let's put it in a positive way... And we had a day with several breaks: immediately after we left, a breakfast stop after 1 hour, another one after about 2,5 hours, an early lunch stop, a stop at the Tesco Lotus in Chumphon. Once in Chumphon we decided to continue another 17km or so (bringing today to 83km) and ride to Thungwualaen - I know, that's a mouthful! - which is at the beach. Nothing fancy, especially not in this weather. Everything and everyone is wet, it's even cold... So yes, we have arrived at the east coast of Thailand, at the Gulf of Thailand, now let's hope for some bettter weather. Today was really bad, it can only get better in the next days (I guess).
 |
| The scenery was still very green and lush, with some small hills but nothing major. |
 |
| Another impression of the day, during one of the breaks |