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Published: February 21st 2007
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Canal Tour
This is a similar boat to what we were in. Well we're near the gate to Khao Sok National Park. It's the first time in a few days that we have seen anything resembling technology except boat motors and generators. We've been on a lake near the park, living on rafthouses. Pretty secluded area, except all the noisy tourists.
I think the last time I entered a blog we were leaving Chiang Mai. Since then we've taken two overnight trains in a row, been on a canal tour, walked around the grand palace and spent the couple of days at the rafthouses.
We have also met up w our new group. There are now 7 of us in total, 4 aussies, one kiwi and ourselves. This new group is way quieter than the rowdy first one. Kind of sets the tone for this part of the trip, since it's way more laid back the first part.
The Canal tour was fun, because we got to see way more of Bangkok than before. A much more slower paced Bangkok. Jenn and I are thinking of buying some waterfront property here now. We also stopped and fed big fat catfish a loaf of bread. It is illegal to fish anywhere near a temple
Canal Tour
Just relaxing. as it's against religion to kill anything. At the end, they dropped us off at the Grand Palace, which was beautiful...just way too hot to enjoy properly. We went in the middle of the day, which a mistake. And it's Chinese New Year. So, the place was packed.
Afterwards we got some lunch, bought some fishermans pants (very comfortable) and other clothing and got ready for the 2nd overnight train to Surat Thani.
Once in Surat Thani, we had a trip in a bus, then songtaew to the lake. I'm really bad and forgot my notes, so I don't have the name of the Lake. I can tell you it was made by building a dam at one end. Like Wicksteed Lake near Temagami. But a lot bigger. They had to remove whole villages 30 years ago. So now there are underwater villages and a few temples, which I'm told no one goes to because they are sacred.
We got on a longtail boat and rode for close to an hour across the lake and through limestone mountains, that go straight up from the water on all sides. I asked our guide if anyone has gone to the tops, and
Grand Palace
Statue of original Thai medicine man. he told us that the sides were too soft to climb. I found it odd that no one has been to the top of these beautiful mountains.
When we arrived, we all felt like we had our own private oasis. Blue skies, green waters and towering mountains all around us. And lots of relaxing on our floating rafthouse resort. It didn't take long to jump in the refreshing but very warm water. Our guide, Gruod (Grew Odd), wouldn't come in. She said it was too cold, but it was the warmest water not in a pool I've ever been in. And then the tourists started flooding in. When we first go there, we were the only ones. In about an hour, the place was full. Even a few Canadians showed up. And it was a Canadian that got the drunkest as well. No, it wasn't me. I awoke around 3 am last night to a big splash and then the sound of someone gasping for air. I got up to check on the person and someone was already calling them back in...thought I was going to have to do my best David Hasselhoff impression there. Wé've been lying around, kayaking
Grand Palace
Incredible detail! and went on a short jungle trip to see a cave w a buddha image inside. We also went on a sunset boat trip, which was almost ruined due to Jenn and I's curse of clouds when a sunset is involved. Fortunately the clouds broke just enough for us to get some nice shots. I also rented a fishing pole to try my luck, but there was no bait and one spoon. I didn't even get a bite.
Now, we have just checked in to Art's Riverhouse Lodge, which is very nice. Bigger rooms and our own washroom. Jenn is having a lay down right now. Feeling a bit under the weather. We think it could have been something she ate, but I had all the same stuff and feel fine at this point. Hopefully she feels better soon. I've tried putting some pics on, but it's really slow here, so I'm going to wait until Krabi.
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Mom
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You've sure had a busy couple of days. Hopefully Jenn's feeling better now. Love mom