Elephant adventures

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It's day 4 and the adventure keeps coming! After being collected by songthaew we were taken to an elephant camp on the banks of the Mae Ping river, where we spent most of the day being entertained and hauled around by various modes of animal and non animal transport. It started with a few photo opportunities involving each of us sitting on various parts of the elephants' bodies (which was a bit of a shock...we hadn't even put our bags down before we were sitting awkwardly on an elephant's foot). Phoebe decided this was a bad idea and spotted a baby elephant to feed instead. This was followed by the elephants putting on a show ie dancing, acrobatics, playing musical instruments and doing a painting. The kids thought it was great and the adults kind of enjoyed it in a weird animal exploitative kind of way. All this aside, what we really came for was the elephant riding which came next! Todd and Jasper hopped onto Kampan (40yo) and Phoebe and I onto Natalie (25yo). It was great fun riding first through the river and then through the wild jungle on these placid and magnificent animals. After an hour on the elephants we were taken for an extremely bumpy but fun ride in an oxcart, before heading back to the river for a bamboo raft trip. This was fantastic...we floated peacefully down the river, encountering the occasional rush through small rapids, watching local kids swimming near the banks, and Todd's favourite part...sipping on icy cold beer bought from a lady who waded into the river waist-deep with her floating foam esky! The ride ended and lunch was served by the river. A great day had by all and we're safely back at Malee's relaxing in the garden before our last night in this little paradise

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Photos

Come, sit on my knee big boy
She was whispering something about a date(?)

Is this a fast one?
JP checking out one of the racing elephants

"I think we've got a winner here Dad"
JP and his mount getting ready for some track work

Can I get down now
Anya was a bit nervous, but put on a brave smile

A little one
Phoebe found one her own size

Very Cute
One year old baby elephant

River crossing by elephant
we didn't even get our feet wet

They won't catch us
"I told you I picked a fast one Dad"

The Waters Family on Elephant Safari
With special guest stars - Natalie, Kampan and their Mahout

Indiana Jones and friend
Young Indy and his faithfull sidekick Alice head off on another adventure

River Rafting
Heading down the river Huck Finn style

Judge one
10/10

Judge two
10/10. perfect scores from both judges -
Malee's banana pancakes

Comments

[jenny]

hi
FANTASTIC XXX

[Clinton]

Is your knee or are just happy to see me
Hey guys, looks like a fun! Could have done with some of those swimming elephants over here. Don't know if your on face book but posted some shots of the flood from mums balcony. Anyway, so over the flood!! Been bunkin off for way too flippin long. Cool blog, great idea!! I'll keep watching your adventures for more updates. "Esky lady" must have been keen to sell a beer, how could you say no to that effete!

[anonymous]

Brilliant adventures..... what an unforgettable time on the elephants! Auntie tilly xx