Archive for September 29th, 2009
No Fish, no dinner! - the fishing season is not quite happening for many of the fishermen. The rains have failed to appear, hence the fishing slow. With this years summer season being so hot and dry, the local community is desperate for the rains to start. With less fish around comes a higher price per kilo. So, when shoals of small fish are spotted close to the shore it’s a time for the hand lines with sets of small feather type lures. Much the same as our Mackerel fishing here in the UK but scaled down to accommodate the smaller fish. For Chris and myself it’s an easier task, we have rods n reels at our disposal. Sets of lures we brought out from the UK prove successful. Unfortunately the reef claims Chris’s top catching set and his ability to catch goes to the dogs! For four days we catch enough to feed the family, and more. And this is no small family, more than dozen mouths to feed. Luckily for us Chris is allergic to fish! And how those small fish taste, both fried and curried. Result!
September 29th, 2009
Elephants and Water – A trip to Pottuvil Point highlighted the destruction a herd of thirsty elephants can cause! In one night a vast area leading to the point had it’s Coconut trees flattened. Their shallow root system torn from the ground. Those locals that live in areas that offer water during such dry periods, do so in fear! Many throughout the years have been killed by these huge mammals. It’s a tragic fact of life that this occurs, and shows how desperate that all within the animal kingdom thrive to quench a thirst. A thirst that is paramount for survival!
September 29th, 2009
Galvanized Sheet over Concrete – Not only did he head butt a long board but now he has chosen to fall down a concrete pit! Now you would have thought that a load of galvanized sheet lying on the ground would have given one cause for thought! Alas no, galvanized sheet means a smoother surface for the feet to walk on! Well hey, concrete more rough! Sure, it was night time, and the ability to see poor but why?
I was not witness to the event, I had heard a commotion from where I was situated at the local Tea Shop. We had been previously surfing together at Baby Point and I had caught a sweet, waist high wave in and was keen for a glass of tea. When we heard the crash we thought a fight had started. It has been the end of Ramadan Festival and many Sri Lankans had been celebrating by getting drunk and at times volatile! The few that do drink tend to be light weights and quickly get drunk. Generally it is quite entertaining as they tend to burst out in song and/or dance, or just fall over and sleep where they collapse!
As for Chris, he was sober and had just surfed. He had no excuse! He has however got three cut up toes and a constant reminder of his excursion down the concrete jelly fish hole!
September 29th, 2009
