Day Five: Hellfire Pass

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Today we took a longtail boatride along the River Kwai and saw lots of beautiful birds, animals and plants. We took a pick-up truck to Hellfire Pass, which was one of the areas cleared by POWs for the railroad during WWII. It was called Hellfire Pass because of the ghostly shadows cast by the men while they worked through the night by firelight.

We took a train ride along the original route, then stopped to visit a Buddha statue in a cave. We also stopped to see some monkeys by the road. These were very spoiled monkeys -they rejected bananas in favor of potato chips and peanuts!

We had a "European" style dinner at the resort. It was very good - salad, chicken with mushroom sauce and pasta. I am not tiring of our Thai menus, though, and prefer the variety and spices of the Thai foods.

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Photos

River Kwai Home
It is hard to see - but this shanty home on the River Kwai has a satellite dish. Just one of the many contrasts you see in Thailand.

Water Buffalo
Water buffalo are common in Thailand.

Temple in Progress
A new temple being built near the River Kwai.

Pick-up ride
Our carriage to Hellfire Pass.

Hellfire Pass
This was a strenuous hike through the forest. I can't imagine what it must have been like for the POWs to build the railroad in this mountainous jungle. It's hot, humid and full of foliage. They had to manually clear the rock with hammer and chisle. Many of the workers died from disentery, cholera, infection and starvation.

Hellfire Pass 2
There were lots of steep steps on the trail. My calves were aching the next day.

Hellfire Pass 3
View of the mountain hills and jungle.

Hellfire Pass 4
Part of the track. See the wheelbarrow on the rails.

Hellfire Pass 5
This is where track had been cut through the hills - all manual work with hammer, chisel, and small dynamite.

Hellfire Pass 6
Memorial to the workers.

Waiting for the Train
Sleepy boy and his mom waiting for the train.

Ray and Virginia
Ray and Virginia were a lovely couple. Ray had plenty of jokes to share at dinnertime.

View from the Train
View of the River Kwai from the train.

Cave Buddha
This big Buddha temple was inside a cave near the train.

Monkey
Show me the Doritos!

Monkey 2
Begging for treats.

Royal River Kwai Resort
Great place to stay!