The Green Lung of Bangkok

On Sunday, I went on an adventure with a couple of buddies to Bang Kra Jao or what is commonly called the Green Lung of Bangkok due to it shape from the sky. A 5 minute ride on a small longtail boat transported us from bustling, polluted Bangkok to lush green orchards and parks, bike friendly roads, a floating market and birds like we had never heard. There are apparently also giant monitor lizards but we didn't see any.

The adventure began with a bus ride downtown. I verified the paper map and digital map to make sure they both give the same route which they did and after showing the "ticket taker" we still felt confident until the driver stopped the bus and came back to see our map again. He studied it for a while and I am sure was wondering what we were up to. All was good and we were on our way. The agent was looking out for us and made sure we got off where we wanted to.

Driver checking our map.

We ended up at the "Port Authority of Thailand" looking for a long tail boat. 

 We finally found it hidden down this dead-end alleyway. 

 Ferry entrance.

 Looks promising.

You buy the 10 baht  (30 cent) joy ride across the river from this lady.

....and off you go.

Here's a better idea of the size.

They look so rickity.

The first stop was to rent bikes.

....and then off to explore the park.

Brown lakes have their own beauty...in a rustic sort of way. Note the blue sky!

Old farming areas.

A bird watching tower. We laughed when we realized our foolish thoughts that it was a fire tower. It didn't even make it out of the canopy.

So green.

Current farm.

Always happy to be out doors on a bike.

Colour coordinated adventurers.

I think I make this face often here.

Off to the floating market where we saw some of the most delicious ribs being ever so slowly cooked in a barrel.

Duck, duck, goose?

Posing for the smoothie lady.

Making the Thai equivalent of cotton candy. It ends up in strips....somehow. This lady was amazing.

Often it difficult to find the "floating" part of a floating market. Found it!

If the water was clean it would be beautiful.

Market

Temples everywhere.

Huh? 

Bangkok from the Green Lung.

Tides out....kinda gross.

Mike (photographer/friend of April on assignment in Bangkok), Crystal (new) and April (cycling buddy) on our way home on the longtail boat. 

Crystal had yet to take the klong boat home so we felt it was our duty to do it with her.

These "ferries" cross the klong but no operators or cables seem to exist. I feel another adventure coming on.

Done, done and done!!!!