Chek Jawa boardwalk with Outward Bound Singapore: Part 1

Today, I was out with the Naked Hermit Crabs to introduce the Chek Jawa Boardwalk to an outstanding bunch of programme managers from Outward Bound Singapore.The exuberant team has set a new standard for lively photos! And what a delight they were to be with.

We started the day with a live demonstration of rubber tapping by driver Ah Ha.
And almost immediately were immersed in exploring this fascinating trail, starting with civet cat poo! The animated and interested group made it really fun to share the boardwalk. Everything from roots and leaves, to flatworms and tadpoles were closely examined.And various references frequently explored as well.Towards the end of the walk, there was excited pointing.At first I thought it was the extremely long Tongkat Ali that was of interest (at the right most on the photo). But no, it was an enormous gathering of Cotton Stainer bugs!At the end of the walk, the team shared their thoughts for the Naked Hermit Crab guestbook. These thoughts were the most profound we have ever received!More about what we saw and did on the Naked Hermit Crab blog. And the thoughts shared in the Naked Guestbook.

On the way home, as the bumboat drove behind a very large passing ship, Choon pointed out the terns flying along the wake.Wow! I've never noticed this before.The flock of birds did this only for a while, before flying back towards Loyang. Amazing! What a great sighting. I must observe this more closely the next time we go to and from Ubin. Indeed, I learn something new on every trip to the shore!

Alas, at the mouth of Changi Creek, dredging is ongoing, again.
Apparently, the bumboat operator said the earlier dredging did not work because the wake from the passing bumboats washed the sediments back into the channel. So now, they are trying to do something else involving building some sort of wall...oh dear.

There are some good rich shores near Changi Creek. Let's hope the activities don't impact these shores too badly.