Day Four & Five

---

Day Four
Today we were booked for our elephant trek in Khao Lak, so an early start had meant that everyone had had a quiet night. We were picked up at about 8.00am and headed off in our mini bus. Oh by the way have I mentioned the weather, so much for sunny Thailand! We have had rain, rain and more rain. But it is hot and steamy as well, and not cold so that is good. It seems to rain for a bit then clear up and then another downpour! Our first stop was bamboo rafting, and the rain stopped for us, two people to a raft and down the river we went for 5 kms. It was great fun even the grey skies didn't spoil it. Then it was a stop off at a waterfall which we were all looking forward to, but when we got there it was orange water because of all the rain was washing the soil down the hill. I braved the water so we could get a photo, while everyone else stood by not keen at getting in! After that we went and had a lunch which was really good and had a fantastic view over Khao Lak bay, apart from all the rain clouds! Then it was off to the elephant trekking. It was unbelieveable, the rain had made the tracks incredibly boggy and slippery and the elephant ride was quite an experience for all, with Ash wanting to go home it was so scary, but we all survived and it was good fun in the end, especially for Tracy whose guide stole a kiss!! But Tracy was the lucky one she got to sit up front and drive the elephant while her guide sat back and watched her! We met some noisy monkeys and Tracy tried to steal an otter who sounded very sad and wanted to climb up your arm.

Next we went to a sea turtle conservation area where they are breeding baby turtles that are released back in the wild once they are 12 months old. Hundreds and hundreds of baby turtles, and of course Jenny had to plank on one, so now she has planked on a sheep, cow and a turtle. Amazing she hasnt tried it on an elephant!!

We tried some Thai fruit and made the long drive home, back over the bridge that links Phuket to the mainland.

The younger ones headed off and had dinner at an Italian Restaurant, and then into Patong again to party till the wee hours, while Jenny, Tracy and I headed off to Kata for a dinner at one of the cheap restaurants we had found with Peter and Robyn and then we had a walk and met the baby elephant at Dino's restaurant. A quiet cocktail and then we returned home, all a bit worn out by the tour today.

Day Five
Another designated rest day!! But when I opened the curtains and looked out BLUE SKY, so we quickly got up and Tracy and I headed off to the beach, Jenny went to have her nails done! Nick and Ash made it to the beach but Erin and Hayden took the opportunity to sleep in. Silly them, the only time we have been able to make it to the beach!! We got boogie boards and spent lots of time enjoying the sun and the waves, until we saw in the distance the storm building up. We stayed in the water till the last minute and then made a mad dash for cover. But it had been good being able to relax and have some fun in the water. Then we all went up to Bea's restaurant that over looks Karon Beach and had a very late lunch at 4.00pm. The days are flying by!! Nick, Ash, Hayden and I (with Erin as fashion advisor) went and ordered suits and then we all went to the Aussie Bar for Pizza and a bit of a drink!! Another early night was in order as everyone but Jenny and I were off to Phi Phi island for the day, and we were hoping for fine weather!!! We will see, but the weather outlook is not good.

---

Photos

Nick and Ash
Head off first on the canoe

Nick not impressed
Iguana at the Aussie Bar

Comments

[Christine Elliott]

Well it certainly looks like ur having lots of fun - shame there has been so much rain ( same here but cold)