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There was no truck for us on the way down. Adel said it would take us about three hours. We set off early and spent a pleasant hour or two walking through rice fields and clumps of bamboo forest. However, after three hours, it seemed we were no closer to our destination. Fortunately we came upon a house and after a chat with its occupants we had some lunch. The family there presumably hadn’t ever seen any Europeans in the flesh before but didn’t seem to be phased by our presence at all. However, they didn’t want their photos taken and were very unsure about our camera. The walking continued and three hours turned to four, five and six by which stage we were very tired. Of course Adel kept encouraging us that it was just around the corner. However he also let slip that he had never been here before and had only been to the village 20 years ago. We weren’t happy bunnies. Then we had to make a very large river crossing – I got absolutely soaked and decided that was it! No more. As luck would have it there was no need. Fortunately it was the start of the road and after half an hour drying off, a truck appeared which took us back to civilisation – and more importantly a very cold beer.
After our tiring but exhilarating trip we headed back to Chiang Mai – but not before a few days in Hot resort – next to Ob Luang national park. A highly recommended spot for a bit of R and R after our mountain adventure.
