Elephants and stuff

From 8-20-2008 - Trek - Elephants

We set off for our 5 hour hike. It seems long but we were fuelled by the promise of an elephant trek. The elephants were much bigger than i remember asian elephants being and seemed even bigger when you are staring at the ground from a top of them!

From 8-20-2008 - Trek - Elephants

 Although the elephants were fantastic, i have to say the trek was a little uncomfortable and i spent most of it holding on for dare life as my elephant stepped down into a river. At least we weren't on the elephant behind us who decided that he would much rather plough into bushes of Bamboo for a bite to eat rather than stay on the road :D.

From 8-20-2008 - Trek - Elephants

We said goodbye to the elephants and got to our second village. This village had vehicle access and as a result was far more developed.

From 8-20-2008 - Trek - Elephants

We played soccer with the local kids at the school and i gave out packs of toys i bought in the Chiang Mai market. We swam in the river alongside water Buffalo who seemed rather indignant that we had stolen their prime swimming spot. The evening was spent playing games and watching magic tricks performed by our man of many talents tour guide. The next morning we set off on some bamboo rafts for a 3 hour boat ride down the river. It was a little wobbly at first but once our tour guide jumped over to our boat and pulled me into the river i realised it was one waste deep water and quite safe. The rest of the trip was spent having a war with the other boats, including some spanish tourists who's male members would happily through their girlfriends in to save themselves. :D We arrived at our end point and caught a truck back to Chiang Mai.

From 8-20-2008 - Trek - Elephants

Bonus pic, Cool cricket!!

From 8-20-2008 - Trek - Elephants

And more!