9th February 2014

Wow what an adventurous and fantastic day we have had!  After being bounced around for an hour and twenty minutes in a pick up truck we arrived at the Canoe Centre at Thalen Bay. After a quick lesson on paddle technique we had to walk across slimy mud to get to our canoes (Kayaks). Then off we paddled around the mangroves and coves of the bay stopping for a while for photographs on a sandbank where we saw starfish and we were able to hold them. We were paddling for around two hours and it was pretty tiring particularly on the way back against the wind in places. After a rather nice Thai lunch it was off to the second part of our trip which was a visit to a natural spa for swimming and relaxation before our elephant trek.  We didn't swim here but took some pics and got chatting to an English couple.  After about an hour we were off to 'Nosey Parkers' for our elephant trek.  Unlike our Chang Mai experience, there were only a handful of people at this one and it took just a couple of minutes before we were called to the platform where we would mount our elephant.  We had to take our shoes off on this ride and Steve noticed there was no safety rail on the front of our chair to stop us falling out!  We made our way to a small river where we had to cross. This was scary as Won Ton as she was called didn't seem to want to cross and as she hesitated on the steep bank we felt as though we were being flung forward. Mahout reaches round to grab Steve's leg to make sure he doesn't slip off!  Half way through our hour long ride, Mahout dismounts and beckons me to slip forward onto Won Ton's head (for photos I thought). Mahout then started taking photos from every angle!  Then Mahout starts making his grunting noises to encourage Won Ton to move forward and before I know it we are off with me riding the elephant and him walking!  After a while we reach the river crossing. Steve said they won't let you cross the river but Mahout continues grunting and Won Ton pins her ears back holding my legs and picks her way carefully across the rocky river bed and then up the bank and into to elephant camp. "Very good madaaam" says another watching Mahout, as all other returning elephants seemed to have had their Mahouts in charge.  After dismounting we were allowed to feed her with cucumbers and bananas, a lovely end to a fantastic experience and fulfilling one of my dreams. Then it was back to our hotel for showers and gin & tonics and to write this blog.  Now we are off for our evening meal and drinks.