Since my last post, a lot has happened. In Chiang Mai I managed to loose my key for my bike and had to pay 150baht for a new one just before going on a two-day one-night trek through the jungle, oops. The trek began at an elephant reserve. I had asked for a trek without elephants as I don't agree how their treated but unfortunately there were no such packages. But, although not necessary, the elephant ride was pleasant and the elephants where treated well and could roam off the path if they wanted to (which are elephant did frequently).
After lunch, we began our trek. The views were spectacular but the heat was intense. Luckily rain started to fall about 4pm meaning we could cool down and enjoy the last part of the climb. Walking for over three hours, we climbed more than 6 1/2km and 900m. The trek was tough and deffinitely harder than scarfell, but we were able to stop at a waterfall halfway which made things seem a little easier. My footwear however was very innapropriate as I forgot to pack hiking boots and instead just wore trainers that were already ready for the bin. With holes in the soles, my feet were soaked by the time we reached the hill tribe.
The evening was spent in the large bamboo structure... like a tree house without the tree. We enjoyed green curry and some games and spent the evening stargazing whilst a local Lahu tribesman was singing songs to us (as well as some well-known classics) with his guitar.
Waking about 8am, we had breakfast where I ate an omlette(!) and then started to make our descent. After about 1 1/2 we stopped at this beautiful waterfall and chilled for a bit. When I had just regained feelings in my toes, we started to walk along the river. Next thing I knew we were white water rafting. It was bloody fantastic although we did almost fall out at one point. After about 40 minutes of pure adreniline, we swapped boats for a bamboo raft. We drifted slowly down the last part of the river until we arrived at our final destination for lunch.
As we had such a good tour guide, Willo, I decided to get everyone to put in 20baht each as a little tip which he greatly appreciated. He was telling me how poor he was and I think he tugged at my heart string. I am so far behind on this blog as that finished Thursday but there is just so much to write and so much to do, I can't keep up.
I really need a wee, and feeling slightly awkward as the guy next to me is talking to his Thai bride-to-be (who doesn't really understand what he is saying) on skype so must shoot. Many more tales to tell. I am in Laos now but you will hear about it soon.
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