Sinkhole

This frequently visited rest stop beside a small stream is a favourite among hikers. Few years ago someone cemented the sides of the stream creating a small pool on the upper level. This stream flows down some big rocks to the lower level and was cemented to resemble a small waterfall.

When it rains (usually heavy), water will gush down the hill slopes beside it making its way to the stream.

With normal quick steps, our human walked beside the stream when suddenly the ground beneath gave way and our human fell forward onto the soft sand.

Since our human never uttered a sound, other hikers resting on the lower level did not know about the incident. Though the sand had the full imprint of our human's body (knee, hip, shoulder and face), our human just brushed the sand off and then walked downhill home.

At home, while taking the bath, our human checked and did not sustain any injuries.

That evening, there was a long heavy downpour.

Next morning, our human went back to the same spot but this time our human walked nearer the hill slope and with a long fallen branch prodded that sunken spot which now looked normal with no indication of a sinkhole.

Our human was shocked to discover that it was almost two feet deep. This time this potential sinkhole had to be make known to other hikers. Our human then drove in more twigs and branches, and placed an orange plastic lid to indicate danger.

Spunky Spiny Turtle

On the way downhill, our human met this lone spiny turtle. Its spines were not yet thoroughly worn down through age and rummaging years for food among the abrasive undergrowth.

Our human slowly placed one foot beside it as size comparison before snapping a photo.

This chap, did a sudden little hop and turned 180 degrees around to face the foot.

Surprised at its agility and speed, our human stayed still.

When it climbed up with its neck stretched out aiming for our human's ankle, our human felt a little uneasy and moved.

Our human gently prodded and guided that spunky chap to the side of the path into the thick undergrowth.

PS: Could not blog earlier weeks due to thunderstorm electricity trip.

I Will Survive 2026!

Our human loves going for morning walks as the surroundings, especially the plants are encouraging and do not give up.

This plant, off the path, was bent; it grew a branch straight up. The bent plant now almost touching the ground grew leaves.

Off the path and chopped off, this plant grew new leaves.

Our human absolutely loves this plant for showing its resilience.
Also off the path, it was chopped off; it grew sideways to the left. When it was also broken, it grew up straight up with leaves sprouting.

PS: When the internet router was upgraded to higher speed plus data lately; and
having retired 20 years ago with no one to ask, our human had a little trouble comprehending the fast evolving internet jargon.

Artistically Feasted On; Can you see it?

Our human noticed something unusual, stopped to look closer.

The leaves had unusual shapes. After a while upon closer scrutiny, our human realised it was artistically feasted on creating this unique lovely shape. The shoe below is for comparison.

Our human carefully looked but could not find any clue as to who the culprit is.

This Keeled Rat Snake, also known as King Koros, is non-venomous. Found in Southeast Asian forests, it preys on rodents and small animals.

'Tired Old Man'

It was a normal hiking day.

As usual after the walk, our human cleaned the mud and dirt off the shoes so as not to bring it into the car.

Parked under the roadside trees, our human heard rustles of leaves and looked up. A few monkeys were moving from branches to branches.

Our human quickly took out the cell phone.

As the monkeys moved off, one stopped and decided to rest on a branch nearest to our human...

...and sat there like a 'tired old man' for quite a while.

Yes, our human could relate, feels for him and understand his tiredness.

His home has been invaded, destroyed for human advancement and convenience.

When our human moved to the present home twenty years ago, beside was a small patch of green forest. The air then was fresh with daily visits from monkeys.

Soon it was cleared. In its place, now stands two rows of 4-storey shop office.

Air now is not like before; it feels warmer and faintly smell of vehicle exhaust.