Cave exploration in Thailand

Today must be Thailand day.  I have word that a region in Thailand offers eco-friendly tours of caves in the region.  The region is Trang, and the cave is Tham Khao Kop (Khao Kop Cave) .

A canal from the Banthat Mountain Range is divided into 3 waterways upon reaching Khao Kop, with 2 going around the mountain and the other flowing through the cave under the mountain. An amazing natural wonder, the main attraction at Khao Kop is this stream which flows through the cave. In addition, the cave itself looks like a high and steep cliff with layers of rocks and stalactites and stalagmites magnificently decorating the cave for a distance of approximately 4 kilometers.

Currently, the Khao Kop Tambon Administration Organization provides rowboats to facilitated visitors explorations of the cave. In addition, eco-tourism and light-adventure activities are provided by the locals.

More information at this link: http://i-thebest.blogspot.com/2008/11/destination-guide-trang.html

Swimming with Whale Sharks

From a blog originating in the similan islands, I find out about a research opportunity — a Whale Shark Research Project.  

This would appear to be a unique experience that supports eco-tourism and combines the opportunity to search for, identify and track Whale Sharks in Thailand ’s Andaman Sea.
There is little known about this magnificent fish and even less known about their mating habits, migration patterns and the actual living population. The objective of the Whale Shark Exploration Program is to help save this precious species and raise awareness by educating all participants about the Whale Shark in particular, by locating and observing them while identifying and taking pictures of the spot pattern on their skin. We will also see and learn about all of the local marine life indigenous to the premier dive locations in the Andaman Sea.
Graceful, rare and mesmerizing, the Whale Shark can grow up to 12.2 meters long (although some 14m sightings have been reported), weigh upwards of 13.6 tonnes, and can live for about 70 years. The most elusive and largest fish in the sea is found in warm tropical waters and it is believed to have originated 60 million years ago. Currently listed as a vulnerable species by The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Whale Shark is frequently targeted by commercial fisheries in many regions.

You can read more at the link below.  Let me know if you have ever encountered a Whale Shark – whether in the wild or even in an aquarium.  These amazing creatures fascinate me. 

http://divingthesimilans.wordpress.com/2008/11/19/whale-shark-research-project/

Name the next rover to land on Mars! http://ping.fm/8oQl2

Congress: Since you’re buying AIG and GM, can you just call it AIGM, and make insurance come *with* the car? Thanx – luv ya!

laughing at my son, after an exciting day shopping for his new pet, right before his nap, saying “hey – my eyes are closing!”.

Fires threaten thousands of homes, five freeways closed, record November heat. Wow.

is getting the word out – buckle up this weekend! It makes it harder for the aliens to abduct you from your car.

thinking there is something strange about cactus, but I can’t put my finger on it.

Falling asleep to SpongeBob–

Ahh. Scientist creates the world’s most relaxing room – (and tips for stress relief). http://ping.fm/NwLNH