An Isaan Pond

[Shutree]

^ I can fart better bubbles than those things produce.

And I don't need solar power either!

What about those small, floating jobs like little paddle steamers? Baht 3K on Lazada. Solar and if I understand the description (which I don't coz it's in foreign) they have batteries to keep them running at least part of the way into the night.

[Molle]

batteries

Is there an echo in here?

[Mendip]

^ Echo schmecko.

Anyway, we all know what you use batteries for!


I may well look in to one of those paddle things Shutree. Last time I looked was during the last pond crisis which was a few years ago now and there wasn't much solar powered stuff available. I guess that technology has moved on.


And big news from the pond today... today I broke my proper snakehead virginity.

I was taking a walk around the pond late morning when I was sure that I saw a pla chon cruising around, so I took the permanently set up lure rod that lives in the sala and had a couple of casts.

I used this floating kind of lure that leaves a big wake behind.



No luck first cast.



Second cast, a big splash, and a snakehead took the lure!

I couldn't fkin believe it... all the trouble I had ridding the pool of these damn things a few years ago, and all it took today was two casts!



Unbelievable. My first proper snakehead, or pla chon. I've caught one tiddler snakehead before on a worm, but that doesn't really count.

Look at the size of that lure compared to the fish! It'd be like Reg Dingle eating a whole decadent leg of lamb in one sitting.



It was about a pound, maybe too small to keep but no way will I put another snakehead back into this pond after all the trouble they've caused/are causing.

I'm hoping for pla chon stir fry for lunch tomorrow, so long as the wife hasn't nailed it already.

[DrWilly]

Champion!

[Mendip]

A snail laying her eggs in the pond today!

[Topper]

^ Damn, Yogi will really fuck anything....

[Mendip]

^ Yeah, he's a real chip off the old block, although I must admit I draw the line at gastropods.

Last night I caught this lovely pla siwai of about 2kg on float fished bread crust.



These are the most strange looking fish and you have to watch those pectoral fins which form huge barbs that will penetrate right through your hand if you're not careful.



The fish had been hooked deep and despite my best efforts I couldn't get the hook out, and as it was getting dark I cut the line as close to the hook as possible and put it back, hoping that the barbless hook would work itself out.

Anyway, during my morning walk around the garden I sadly found this poor fish dead in the pond. I netted it out and gave it to the gardener, who looked well chuffed. The gills were still red so it appeared fresh and will no doubt be turned into some kind of jungle curry today.

[Mendip]

The gardener wanted to thank me for this unexpected bounty by cooking up a pla siwai red curry.



I felt churlish to refuse eating the fish that had been floating dead around the pond for the night, because after all, 'you have to eat the local food to be accepted' etc etc...

I noted that the wife and daughter opted for pork teriyaki tonight.

Anyway, I must admit that it looked and smelt pretty good as it simmered away in the wok.

The proof's in the pudding of course... maybe it will make the dinner thread if I pull through.

[Shutree]

A snail laying her eggs in the pond today!

Yummy. A bit like mushrooms, some are great to eat and some will get you into trouble.

Are snail eggs edible?

[Mendip]

Yummy. A bit like mushrooms,

Pink mushrooms?

I can send you some via... 'Snail mail'

Fukk me, where's that 'Quick Joke' thread when you need it?

[Mendip]

Before walking the daughter up the road for school I did a quick circuit around the pond, as is my morning habit. I like to make sure that none of the neighbour's chickens or cats have come into the pond area during the night before opening it up in the morning to the dogs. I've had some bad experiences in the past.

Anyway, this immediately caught my eye.



A big catfish was drifting about, upside down and very dead.



There was only one thing for it. The net was only just long enough and I had to lean right out... an early morning dip would have pissed me right off, although I'm sure that the daughter would have enjoyed it.



Gently does it...



The pla duuk was around 4kg I reckon. There was no obvious evidence of a snakehead attack and I'm assuming it just passed away of old age.

There was no particular smell but it had turned white and the gardener showed no interest at all in a free lunch.



So, what to do with it?



I used to play off 17 and you never really lose it...



It's all about the back swing. That's where the power comes from.



'Bazoom!'

I considered doing one of those 'spot the catfish' competitions, like you used to get in the papers but I don't know how to invisibly photoshop the fish out of the pic.



That catfish will be stinking to high heaven by the weekend... I wonder if I'll be able to smell it from Bangkok?

My follow through could do with some work.



I mentioned to the daughter that I bet none of her school mates have adventures like this on the way to school.

And she was really quite rude.

Sometimes I wonder if she's actually looking forward to boarding next year!

[Edmond]

Da fooker