After the tropical jungles of Malaysia, you’d have thought I’d had enough to sweating out in mosquito ridden areas, but there is something quite natural and rewarding about trekking out in nature. So I went out to a jungle in northern Thailand this time.
A view of the jungle
Arriving on the back of a traditional Toyota Hilux pick up truck, I was with Miguel from California, USA, Stacey and Tom from England, Vit and Viktor from the Czech Republic, and Linda and Carolin from Germany. Our group leader was Dat from nearby Chiang Mai assisted by Eddie and whatever random dogs that decided to join and leave us as they please.
The group before setting off for our 3 day adventure
One of many banana trees in the jungle
I wouldn’t say it was the most conservative of trips, Dat brought along his trusty slingshot which set the mood. He seemed a good shot too hitting the banana tree flower to the left amongst many other things he seemed to spot in the jungle long before anyone else.
After a whole village full of dogs circled us as we left, 2 carried on with us to the first overnight stop, as it turns out these dogs don’t have a specific owner and just wonder along with groups trekking through the jungle as they please (just like the dogs in the city too). If you’re a dog owner as well and you don’t want your dog to be left unattended, you may search for services similar to free dog boarding with WoofConnect.
One of our followers takes a break
Our half way stopping point for the day was a waterfall where we all got in for a paddle about (was not deep enough to swim in) in an attempt to cool down. Just as we got ready to leave it started raining again, unfortunately timed rain started to become a theme of this trip, it was very hot around 40° C and with all the walking the waterproofs were a bit useless due to sweating and I came to appreciate the rains cooling properties after a while.
Take a look at the view
Another couple of hours of trekking and we finally made it to our home for the night with the Karin tribe. Scattered huts were all around but us 8 farangs (foreigner in Thailand) had our own with table underneath the hut for dinner, drinking games and conversations of man eating tiger leeches, whilst Dat went out hunting for frogs to barbeque (and actually caught a load but most had gone to sleep by then) and I was making use out of the hammock hanging below our bedroom for the night.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
A great post, none of you look like you know what you are getting yourselves into in the initial group photo!
Jesus I had NO idea! I almost forgot about the Tiger leeches I just remember Stacy giving herself away at the game with her Stacyface!
Haha, yeah it was an awesome trek, I forgot about the Stacyface! Nice to see you here Miguel :D
I’ve never seen that hanging from a banana bunch before. Great pictures.