Cooling Off

Scorching temperatures in New York remind me of standing knee-deep in the Taron River (see Crossing the Taron) in northern Myanmar with my pants rolled up trying to take a photo of an elephant and his handler wading out into the river to cool off. And trying not to drop my camera in the water. And wondering how long before it started raining.

Crossing the Taron (From The Archive)

Heading north from Tanai (see Tanai and Tolagyi Tour of Tanai), you have to cross the Taron River to get into the Hukaung Tiger Reserve.  During the dry season you can usually drive across the river in a four-wheel drive truck. After the rains start, you have to use the local ferry. [NOTE: The trip usually costs about 15,000 kyat, but sometimes the ferry isn't there, or the crew isn't there, or the motor is broken, or there's no gasoline, and no amount of money will get you across the river]. 

Ferryman

You still have to take a ferry to cross the Taron River in Kachin State (see Crossing the Taron), but the ferry operator has changed and things seem to have improved a bit. The ferry, for example, will now hold two trucks, there is a permanent ramp to drive on to it, and the "protective" railings are painted bright yellow and red. Not to mention that the new ferryman is a total professional. [NOTE: The trip still costs 15,000 kyat for Forest Department vehicles]. 

Crossing the Taron

Heading north from Tanai (see Tanai and Tolagyi Tour of Tanai), you have to cross the Taron River to get into the Hukaung Tiger Reserve.  During the dry season you can usually drive across the river in a four-wheel drive truck. After the rains start, you have to use the local ferry. [NOTE: The trip usually costs about 15,000 kyat, but sometimes the ferry isn't there, or the crew isn't there, or the motor is broken, or there's no gasoline, and no amount of money will get you across the river].