Exploring Sungei Tampines

Had wanted to test out 2 inflatables that were just mended, so called Z to test it out with me, and he said yes without hesitation! Guess I didn't explain the risks fully to him, that the kayaks may just deflate halfway through and we might sink. Anyway, we went....

Instead of paddling near the shore, we decided to go further and explore Sungei Tampines. Again....the risk of sinking. We got into the river without much fuss.

View from under the bridge...

What was amazing that day was the number of birds that flew over us as we paddled. Later I was told they were Herons, Grey Herons. These birds feed in shallow water, catching anything from fish, frogs to insects with its long bill. 

This one's perched on top of a tree. 

Many nests in the trees, can you spot them?

It's not just birds, there were the usual other creatures. Here's a hermit crab. These little creatures have to carry their homes (shells) with them wherever they go, and when they grow too big for it, have to look for another shell or even a hollow piece of wood. The shell they just vacated will be passed on to another smaller hermit. All these take place without COV nor middle-man agent involved! 

And a lot of rubbish! Sigh. Btw do these plastic ever biodegrade? If yes, how long? According to research, plastic bags don't biodegrade but they photodegrade, ie micro-organisms don't break it down but ultraviolet rays from the sun do. Still they take a very very long time, estimates from 500-1000 years! (Will my plastic bag still be here in 2507?) 
Think twice (and more than that if you need) before you throw plastic into the waters! 

We were really close to Pasir Ris Drive 3, we could have paddled directly under it and followed it all the way to Tampines Bike Park. Save for next time! Time to head back before the inflatables decided not to co-operate! 

Not before having some fun doing....Stand Up Paddle!!  

Another blog on Sungei Tampines. http://hasayang.wordpress.com/tag/sungei-tampines/