014. Ethereal beauty vs Ear-splitting brawn (10th April – Part 1)

THIS was the day which many of us were eagerly awaiting for. Our arrival at Marina South Pier were enthusiastically ‘greeted’ by a sheet of pelting rain. But then again, I wouldn’t trade the storm that day for any tropical sunshine on the equator. =) Although I was immediately speared with numerous water droplets as I edged towards the side of the sheltered area, there wasn’t any rush for me to turn back for cover. I stood rooted as I took in the roiling of the waves and the distant rumbling of thunder.

 

 

 

 

 

Being one of the busiest ports in the world, ships were still sailing aplenty in the rocky waters towards the south of Singapore. With the heavy downpour and chilling, greyish doomsday-like atmosphere, (with a little imagination, of course), this picture (above) could have been something out of ‘The Pirates of The Caribbean’.

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After a while, it’s back to Earth for me. After a session of OJT in the do’s and don’ts of ‘Bridge’ (courtesy of Mindy ^^), I could follow the game somewhat without getting lost in the initial bidding session or being driven to confusion by ‘partners’ and ‘trumps’. It was good fun while the boat headed down its usual 45-minute route (probably longer, due to the weather) to Semakau Island.

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Compared to all my previous trips to Semakau Island, this one was one of the most special because since when doesn’t staying overnight (especially at a place where not many has done so before) not give you the thrills right? Since the tide was at its lowest (0.3m) at 6:07 am in the morning, we all had to set out early just so that the ‘Hunting & Seeking’ session 1 can be carried out with relatively little delay. Tide and time wait for no man indeed.

With a reminder to be back at the Visitors’ Centre by 8 in the evening  (left), we were given permission to explore the island as soon as the rain abated. Thanks to Sam and his plastic bags of ration (including a whole honey glazed chicken, several cans of mushroom soup, bread and tea-brewed eggs) plus Hen’s packet of bread sticks, our bellies were satisfied before we headed down the usual tarred route (right) that led towards the mangrove and intertidal areas.

 
(left): Not only was the air refreshingly cool after the long rainy session, it was also free of mosquitoes and sandflies (though it was near 6 when we set out) ^^v. Taking in the slightly-salty breeze, the six of us set out on the 3.5km trail. Admiring the sea-view and glittering industry-dotted horizon on our right, our walk was mostly peppered with smiles and (rather =__=””) jokes.  However even so, Hen and I still had time to play paparazzi to the lovely wildflowers that flourished along the roadside.

(right): Though not as striking as the purple blooms that grew next to it, this humble yellow blossom still makes a sweet picture. It was too bad that a slight whisper from the evening wind was enough to send it whipping into merry excitement.  

 
Laced with pearly raindrops, these tiny purple inflorescence  ( =a cluster of flowers) captured many of our hearts and commanded the camera’s attention.

 
Shimmering like Swarovski crystals, the droplets turned these subtle pretty-in-pink into an electrostatic attraction.

 
Hanging by the thread, this droplet was all ready to plunge into the verdant sea beneath. By the time we had snapped to our heart’s content, it was then only we realised the sky had taken a shade of dusky grey-blue.

 
A view of the Semakau Landfill from afar with the Visitors’ Centre situated on its far right. Time for the de-briefing session on what’s expected of during the ‘Hunting & Seeking’ session!

** Gosh, this reminds me I better lick my intertidal knowledge into shape during the hols.

** Also, my heartfelt gratitude to AY for lending me his SX100 IS. =) I would have never been able to take all the above snapshots if it wasn’t for your camera. あなたわ最高，はロリ－くん!!