Memories in the Sun

I went to Chek Jawa...again.
Actually, I wanted to test the new 'toy'. I bought the Nikon D90, and I knew that the camera would be good for both panoramic (which Zafran likes) and close-up (I love) shots.  There will be plenty of things to capture there.  Plus, Zarifah is the only one who has not set foot on Ubin before.

The plan was to leave very early after subuh prayers.  We would be able to catch the reefs before the tide comes in.  I had missed that the other time.  But Akmal had watched LOTR till 2am, and thus, it was a chore to wake him up.  We then again had breakfast before the we boarded the ferry at Changi jetty.

Unlike the last time, the sun shone brilliantly.  It was a beautfiul day, but I was not certain if we could take the strain of cycling in the heat.  Plus, while the rain on the last trip had kept people away, today the crowd came in droves.

But cycle we did, and at some point it became a challenge.  Part of me realised that I loved the previous experience better.  While I had the opportunity to stop and snap pictures along the way, I loved the freshness the rain brought in.  In the rain, the leaves and flowers glistened, freshly washed by drops from the heavens above.  But the sun brought the opportunity to get up close and personal to other small creatures and insects which I would have otherwise missed.

Hahaha
I conquered the the watch tower again....accompanied by the Significant Other.
But because there were many people around, I had to quell the urge to laugh out loud again.
This time round round, the tide had come in fully, and I missed my sandy white lagoon, with its lush carpet of emerald green seamoss.  Parts of the jetty too was covered by sea water.  We also saw a sad sight...a garoupa which probably had died due to the increase in some plankton overgrowth and cut off the oxygen supply.

I realised how different the two trips had been.
Even the bicycle charges were different.
On the first one, we paid between $5-$8 for the bikes.  This time round, we paid $8 each, regardless of whether there was a basket or not...The shopkeeper had initially asked for $10.  And when I returned the bikes, the tourists who had descended on the island were charged $20. Goodness...I know the islanders need to make some profits...but please do not fleece the tourists. They may not want to come back.

Oh....
I forgot to mention...
This time round, we took the longer route back from Chek Jawa...and because of that, I got to see one of the lovely quarries.  The emerald pool was so inviting, but the area has been cordoned off for safety reasons.  But hey, next trip we may just go around visiting all the quaries.

It is great to be able to get back to nature at Chek Jawa.
I am definitely going back again.
Anyone game to follow me?