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Published: August 2nd 2005
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Although Conrad’s version of our hike sounds like complete hell, it truly was amazing. We started out the day being piled into the back of a pickup truck, 12 of us in all. It was only about 42 degrees, so being squished together was really quite awful. We had a great bunch of people to trek with though, varied from everywhere. England, Ireland, Korea and us from Canada. We drove in this condition for about 2 hours give or take, and arrived at a very stinky market, in which people were cutting up fish and guts were flying everywhere. Phewy. Anyhow, continued on to the base of the mountain where we piled out and were served lunch. Yum. Then it began. From the first hill, I knew we were in trouble. The brochure for this hike did mention you should be in good physical condition to attempt this climb. I figured they were only joking. At the top of the first hill, I thought I would die. I looked back at Conrad and realized he was already half dead. Oh well, only 5 more hours to go. The pace was never ending, and our guide spoke no English. Conrad was suffering. I would climb to the top of each hill and coax him up. You’re doing great Conrad, almost there. Almost where he would say. Almost right here with me I would cheerfully reply. When the rain came it was spectacular. Truly Monsoon rains and paths became waterfalls. We fell further behind. At one point I was calling out to the group as they were so far ahead I thought we were lost. Conrad had fallen and slipped and banged up pretty much every inch of his body. I myself had cut me knee, and several others in our group were hurt as well. Still no stopping. The harder it rained the faster we went. Conrad was not kidding when he said he went over the cliff. He truly did. I was scared out of my wits and did not know how to get him up. Luckily he managed.
So, after close to 6 hours we arrived at the village. It was so amazing. The people here live in bamboo huts on the top of the mountain. Just to clarify, the climb to the top was 2,897 meters. Straight up. Strange though how touristy it is, they sold beer water and pop. Good thing too, cause the agent had told me this was all included, but nothing was included. Oh, did I mention the nice Korean guy carried Conrads backpack for him during the hike? Lucky Conrad, I was on my own. So anyhow, the villagers made us an amazing dinner of some kind of chicken, pumpkin, rice and weird green soup that was really yummy. We were all exhausted. We were shown to our room, I say our room as all 12 of us shared a sleeping area. We each choose a spot on the floor to through our blanket and sleep. Whew. Okay, those of us that had 2 drinks laid there and wished that we did not have to pee as it was very spooky out there. Gave up and went. Lots of bugs, spiders dogs and wild pigs running around in the dark, but I made it. Anyhow, it really was amazing. The next morning we did in fact get a new guide for ourselves to help get Conrad out. It really was funny as the legend of Conrad will most likely live on in these hills forever. You see as we headed down the mountain, some of us walking, some falling most of the way, (Conrad), we stopped at several villages, in which our new guide, who was about 5 feet tall relayed the story of the giant boy that he was basically carrying down the mountain. They all pointed and laughed. Conrad was covered in mud and cuts and blood and sweat, but he still kept his sense of humor. At the end of it all, he did admit he was glad he did it. He also carried Conrads pack, and led him across rocks logs etc so he did not fall in the rivers. Again, I was on my own. No help. It was like survivor. I made it though, and totally enjoyed the challenge and was thrilled that I did it. after that, we actually spent the afternoon white water rafting which was totally awesme, and then floated the rest of the way down river on a bamboo raft, which is not all that comfy. Logs pinch together and pinch your butt and fingers.....ouch Okay long story. Next we jumped a 3rd class rail to Kanchanaburi. Train was very interesting. Hmmmmm. Can you say stinky…..I would not have used a toilet on that train for all the money in Bangkok. Ayhow, we stayed at this place called Sugar Cane raft house. It was so cool. Each place was a floating bungalow out on the river Kwai. And was completely surrounded by lotus flowers. Awesome. Only, no tv, no nothing. Conrad went snake. We found a bar on a gravel road that played movies all night and sat there and sipped sodas. Whew. These little bungalows would be awesome for a honeymoon couple or something, other than every five minutes or so a party barge goes by with obnoxious music and dancing to jar you out of your mosquito infested sleep. Just kidding. It was cool. In Bangkok today, just for the night. Catching a first class train to Ko samui tomorrow. 10 hours and we will be on the beach. We decided to splurge and are staying at a Jungle Resort. I really was not cut out for the guesthouse thing. The 30 bucks a night to have my own toilet, shower and towels and air cond is so worth it to me. I can’t wait. We will be back in Bangkok on the 12th for our 4 days of shopping and then home. It all goes so fast. Jesse, the suits are a hundred bucks, I will do my best on sizing. Send me your Chest, hips arms and legs both inseam and outside of your leg as well as across your back and your neck. We will get it made and then can have it altered in Calgary. Love you all and miss you. Wish you were here. Mandy, tell Chris if he wants extreme hiking this is where he needs to go. Can’t send pics as have had a malfunction with the camera, don’t know what happened. Kev, still looking for the Harley shop. Mom, we are fine not to worry.
Talk to you soon.
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Kiki
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Holy Smokes - what an adventure
Monique and Conrad Sounds like you are having wonderful life experiences....not sure if it seems like fun at this point. Having been to Thailand I totally can picture your trek - although I did not go during rainy season and hike strait up a mtn/river! Conrad I hope your Mom took some shots of you hanging over the cliff...just kidding! I just had a chance to go through all your journals - first time I launched this site my computer crashed with a virus - and if you did not get back to the Grand Place because you were denied entry - put some pants on and go. It is beautiful, especially if you picture the nobility that actually lived there. Greece adventure with my sister was terrific - I share stories when you arrive home. Enjoy the rest of your travels and greeting to the Miller/Kevin (sorry don't know your last name Kev) in Calgary........Kiki....xo