Pai canyon, sunset

On the river mist hangs in early morning suspension, sunlight angling through woodland, hilltops hanging ghostly in the grey morning air where river sounds rise towards ears. Cold. Sleeping bag, fleece and hat cold, breath condensing. I knew this, but it's still a shock, though a supply of decent coffee helps…


Market street is quiet in the early morning, a few sitting eating breakfast, getting busier as the first arrivals emerge pale from morning buses and spread out in search of accommodation and transport. We hire a scooter, underpowered engine imploring to avoid hills, trundle backroads between hills and fields, circling the familiarity but still lost. And then, somewhere, a morning market and to wander around until it's time to turn around back to town as midday heat gathers upon the road..


Later, walking back, down through the night market, studiously avoided by a couple of touts punting tickets for a rave, aged now, beyond the reach of therapy even...