Our first part o
f Day 2, was a walk of about an hour and a half from the tribal village to the Elephant camp. We saw some magnificent plants along the way, particularly the huge Ponsietta trees - lets us know that it's nearly Christmas !The Elephant Camp was located just across the river at the end of the
walk. The bridge to cross the river makes Carrick-a-Reed look like a picnic ! Some of the gaps between the step would have taken 3 of us ! We all got across without any incident and went to meet the elephants. They are truely magnificent beasts .. this was a big highlight of the trip for me, being so close to the elephants and getting the chan
ce to ride on one.. I was delighted. Eileen and I rode ahead on 'Nellie' (just our name .. not sure what she's really called.) Behind we had Carolann and Vender and in between, there was 'Dumbo' .. a baby elephant. He came with us all the way and followed his Mum and Dad very closely, especially going through deep water. And here's Oonagh and Micheal enjoying the scene. The route took us in and out of the river repeatedly and it 
was really hard work hanging on when Nellie was stepping down into the water. The seat leaned forward and you had to hang on tightly to the back of the seat to avoid slipping down.
And here's baby Dumbo having a Tea Break during the trek !When we finished the Elephant ride, we waved good bye to the Elephant family as they trundled down the river and we had lunch at another tribal village. Another very nice meal. Then it was back to the rafts for the final leg of the trek, down to the next village where the trucks were waiting to bring us to collect our luggage. The river today was full and fast moving with lots of rapids and rocks. Another tricky journey and unfotunately, the sun and heat which
had caused us such problems early in the build, deserted, and we were very glad of the hot coffee at the bottom !Our yellow taxi collected us and brought us back to Chiang Mai to our new hotel - the Montara Happy House .. a wonderful small local hotel, in
a great location just by the walls of the old city. Since we couldn't get flights next day, we had a day to ourselves in Chiang Mai on Monday before we left for home on Tuesday. Having spent the day in Silk a
nd Jewellery shops, I think we were all pleased to be going home .. to avoid bankrupcy ! We had dinner in a lovely little restaurant across the street .. an Italian (no more Thai curry !!).Undoubtedly, a really magnificent trip. Thank You especially to Jim and Carolann for their hard work in preparation and during the trip. They were indeed a brilliant team of leaders .. And definitely 10 out of 10 to Carolann for the trek and the Happy House !!!!
Thank You too for reading the blog and if you've any comments, I'd be delighted to hear them at the email address below.
Till next time - all the best,
Kate
(catherine.docherty@tinyworld.co.uk)
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