Ship's Blog

On the 23rd of February, The Charming Duckling (aka "TLC-1")began her journey to Phnom Penh for her refitting at Sweline Boats. On board was Ralf Regitz (friend, supporter, advisor and entrepreneur) from Germany; Lor Rem (pilot) from Kompong Kleang; Lann Ly (ship's mate) from Moat Klas; Tobias Rose-Stockwell (poet, humanitarian, wine aficionado and founder of Human Translation); and Jon Morgan (enough said.)

It was a warm and hazy day as we set out from Kompong Kleang. The water level of the Tonle Sap has been dropping steadily since December as noted by the water marks on the stilt houses along the banks of the river leading through Kompong Kleang.

The waterway was quite busy that morning with the commerce of the lake.
The changes in water depth are dramatic. Six months ago this area was covered with at least 4 meters of water. Today it is being farmed by migrants living in temporary shelters.
With the waters so low we were thankful to have a flat bottomed boat. As it was our prop had to plow through mud and push us along for several meters as we exited the river into the Tonle Sap Lake.

With the waters low and storms not a problem during this season, many families move themselves right to the edge of the lake.
Once upon the open water, there was just that--open water for about 5 hours.
We ran into a sandbar (more like a mudflat) as we entered the mouth of the Tonle Sap River. Thankfully our ship's mate, Aly, was ready and able to apply her extraordinary physical strength to pushing us off.
The First Night.
Rather idyllic.

THE NEXT DAY:

Another warm morning greeted us. Tobias is obviously enjoying his much needed two day hiatus from duties with Human Translation.


Have I ever said how beautiful Cambodia can be?


Lor Rem--just because this is the best photo of him yet.

THE SECOND NIGHT
Just two hours from Phnom Penh:

Mandatory lotus blossom photo.

And another one.

Mandatory Cambodian cow photo.
DAY THREE:
This day was hot. Hot as only Cambodia can be.

Jon and Ralf

A mosque serving the Cham ethnic minority a few miles from Phnom Penh

The population density increases as we approach Phnom Penh.

Tourist boats waiting for customers along the Tonle Sap riverside in Phnom Penh.

Lifting The Charming Duckling!!!!!


AT SWELINE

After 6 months of living together; weathering storms, leaks and engine problems we have put together a list of changes to be made to our Duckling. These changes will have their own blog-report as soon as they are complete. For now, this is how she looked just two weeks ago while undergoing a reconfiguration of her bow.

More to come!