Growing Peanuts

At the end of the rainy season when water levels in the Chindwin River fall, local residents typically plant the newly-exposed, fertile sediments along the bank with peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). I was told that buyers from Homalin and Monywa have already spoken for the crop, and that some farmers may have gotten some cash up-front to plant peanuts. The individual fields, as well as the forest behind them, seem to glow in the afternoon sun.

To Nam Sabi

Ranger from Htamanthi Forward Station piloting us to Nam Sabi village (see More Pressing Plants). Something about the focus and skill, the seriousness, of the people who drive the boats in northern Myanmar. Very photogenic. Like the ferryman here.   

Htamanthi to Monywa

This 25 hour boat ride was mostly sitting and sleeping (see Duffel Bag). There was a bit of excitement at the start of the trip when they loaded the three motorcycles over the bow of the boat. And the the swarm of food sellers that boarded each time we stopped at a larger port during mealtime. In hindsight, I fondly remember my little 2 x 2 m cabin during this trip. 

Duffel Bag

I travel with a canary yellow (summit gold) North Face Base Camp duffel bag. Size medium works best for me. Waterproof, virtually indestructable, super-stuffable, makes a good back rest or pillow for 25 hour boat rides, and the yellow color is easy to spot when all the bags are unloaded and thrown into a pile.

Image above shows my duffel being carried to the Upper Chindwin River in Sagaing Division to be put on the boat for the aforementioned 25 hour boat ride from Htamanthi to Monywa. I spent a lot of time sleeping on it. [NOTE: I've had this duffel for about 5 years. It's a terrific bag].