4th July - Well we were still feeing pretty lethargic but in danger of becoming some of Pai's drop outs so we finally managed to muster the energy to hire some mountain bikes. We also felt we should do something other than sitting about on this very auspicious occasion the 4th July. No, nothing to do with America, just that Pip and I have been together 11 years!!!!!!!!! And yes he made the customary remarks about the train robbers not getting that long etc.
The bikes cost us 50 baht each (about 75p) for 25 hour hire and were the best bikes we've had so far on our trip. They had 21 gears, well pumped tyres and even had brakes. Knowing that Pai is a mountainous area, we chose the flattest route possible but still had to get off and push several times. The free-wheeling back down was fun though! We passed beautiful countryside scenery and 3 elephant camps along the way. We had to stop to see Joy the baby elephant who kept putting grass on her head and then pulling it off again to impress us. The lack of tourists mean that most of the elephants are chilling out in the jungle and only come in if they have bookings and take it in turns to stay in the camps in case of passing trade. It's off season now (many of the restaurants and guest houses are closed) but this season is worse than most because of terrorism, SARS, wars and the Burmese problems.
It was 7k to the hot springs and the warmest day since we arrived back in Thailand and it was also the middle of the day. Clever eh! We were therefore very hot and sweaty and looking forward to a relaxing dip. When we got there, we found wonderful landscaped gardens and a pleasant stream with smalls pools at the top. There was a sign saying the water here was 80 degrees!! It bubbled furiously and we thought better of sticking our feet in and wandered downstream a little. Even right at the bottom it was a struggle to put your feet in and so we had a quick rest and then set off back again. While we were eating lunch and patting ourselves on the back for being energetic, the was a huge downpour and we were glad we'd made it back in time. We had a lovely day but I think we'll struggle to get back on the bikes tomorrow to take them back!
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