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Published: March 6th 2011
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Trek day 1
This is our main mode of transportation. Nice and comfortable. Our tour leader decided to take a nap. As part of our stay in Chiang Mai, we went on a 3 day jungle trek in North Thailand. I can say it was an amazing experience, but I'm not sure I would do it again... or rather my body would not like me to do it again! Let me explain: we were told that the trekking was ''easy'' on the jungle trek. And yes the hiking isn't that difficult, but when you add trekking in a jungle with +35-40 degree celcius temperatures it becomes extreme trekking (Paul says hi).
On Day 1 we woke up early and took a truck to an amazing waterfall in a nearby forest reserve, from there we went to natural hot springs where we lazed by the pool and relaxed. At that point we put on our trekking sandals/shoes and began to climb the nearby mountain with 3 young hill tribe men as guides. I don't think these guides had an ounce of fat on their bodies. They practically ran up the hill and didn't even break a sweat. This was over an hour of full-on trekking uphill.... with the temperatures and with most of the group suffering from severe hangovers from the night
Trek Day 1 Waterfalls
A little relaxation before starting our trek. before (I was not part of the hangover crew I swear), let me just say it was a rough go. We reached the top, then descended into a beautiful valley in the jungle to stay with the Karan Tribes. They welcomed us with cold beer and water, and a delicious meal with green curry, and another sort of stir fry. Living in the jungle is an experience in itself. The hill tribes are being assisted by the local governments in the attempt to sustain the hill tribe culture. The local government assists in building pipes for water, and also provides the hill tribes with solar panels to give them electricity. The electricity consisted of one light bulb in the eating area and one light bulb in our bedroom. All 20 of us slept in the same room, on the floors with no mattresses. Also, I should point out that in Thailand a lot of places only use squat toilets. Meaning there is a hole in the ground and you squat right over it, once finished you rinse the hole with a cup that holds water nearby, the pressure from the falling water causes a valve to open and flush out
the squat toilet. For most of us this was our first encounter with this system and many of us (especially the guys) had issues getting used to it, so much so that I think half the group avoided going to the bathroom for the entire trekking experience. hah. For myself, I think I've finally mastered the squat toilet... it took many attempts and at least a handful of times of peeing on myself, but I'm now proud to say... I can use a squat toilet yo.
On Day 2, we hiked over another mountain to make our way to a Karan-Lahu hilltribe where we had a delicious noodle soup for lunch and then (the best part of the entire trip) we anxiously awaited the arrival of our mode of transportation... elephants. I've seen elephants up close but I've never had the chance to sit atop of one for 2 hours. There were 3 of us to an elephant. The 5 elephants followed the nearby river slowly sauntering in a line while their masters walked on foot close by keeping them in check. We arrived to the exit point where we would be staying with another tribe. As we arrived
Trek Day 1
Some more relaxation. to the dock where we dismount the elephants, we noticed tiny things moving on the platform. The platform was entirely covered with GIANT daddy long leg spiders... and they were moving at lightening speed. Of course half of us started screaming (even some of the guys). Everyone was refusing to get off the elephants and willingly step onto the platform covered with spiders. The local guides looked at us like we were insane and they quickly losed their patience with us. For those of you that don't know, I have a fear of spiders. I can handle a few, but a sea of spiders is out of the question! Apparently a nearby tree was the spiders home and the entire tree was covered with spiders.. thousands upon thousands. I was one of the first that had to jump onto the platform, picture 3 girls running on the spot yelling hysterically as the rest of the group slowly dismounted. As we made our way to the Lahoo hill tribe village for some reason one of the guides designated me to lead the way to and about midway I suddenly heard, what I can only describe as the worst sound of my
Trek Day 1
A nice little surprise at the beginning of our trek . life.. immediately all I could see at my feet were once again giant daddy long legs. I screamed bloody murder and started running, as soon as I screamed there was a domino effect and all the girls behind me started running and screaming. It's amazing how fast one can run when they are afraid of getting eaten by a zillion spiders. I practically ran all the way to the hill tribe village and this is after doing 3/4 hours of ridiculously difficult trekking through the jungle with +35 degree temperatures. That night we stayed with the Lahu tribe who provided us with their locally made alcohol that they lovingly dubb ''happy water'' aka corn moonshine. We had a feast for dinner provided by the hill tribe and enjoyed the evening around a large fire on the deck of our house.
The next morning (Day 3) we awoke early, and over the course of 2 hours watched a few of the locals build (from scratch) 5 bamboo rafts that my group and I would take down the river to end our trekking experience. Bamboo seems to be the go to resource in these parts. The villages are made entirely by
Trek Day 1
View from our balcony. bamboo, weapons are made of bamboo, furniture, modes of transportation.. everything! There were 4 people per raft with a guide at the front. When you are on the raft you have to stand, and you are given a long bamboo stick and you use this stick, almost like a paddle, to push the raft in the right direction as the guide shouts left or right. It was a little tricky at first especially when we approached rapids. Balance is definitely key, many people fell off the rafts or slipped and fell, but it was definitely an experience. Bamboo rafting on a river in the northern Thailand jungle. enough said.
In the end, I do not regret this trek at all. It was an amazing albeit physically draining experience. It was beautiful to see first-hand how the tribes people are living deep in the jungles of Northern Thailand, and how they are sustaining their culture. There are no roads anywhere, the only way to get in an out is trekking by foot or using the river. Sometimes it's a good thing to get out of your comfort zone and live the simple life.
It's been tough to get online
to focus on writing this blog. I haven't listened to my ipod once, opened up my journal, or barely gone on the internet. I love it! Hello to everyone in cold Canada. I'll be having a cold Chang Beer in your honor this evening.
Cheers.
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Jen A
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First blog comment
Hey Anita !!! I'm so proud of you!!! I would be one of te girls screaming if I saw a tree of spiders!!!! I'm scares of them as well!!! Glad you're having a great time! Stay safe!