Day 13 - Mae Khaam and walk

(L - As exp0lained in the previous page, we all had to share mattresses and floor in the single room - thids is an early view - it seemed as though every one slept in the same posture - like spoons alongside each other)

(R - A family picture from the lady next door)



(L - We took our gear down to the truck to load, which left us free for the 90 minute walk ahead)


(R - We meet our two elephants for the walk ahead - the big bull, followed by Mae Khaam - which mans "Golden Mother" in Thai)




(L - We meet Mae Khaam for the first time - she seemed very placid and peaceful)

(R - Mae Khaam checks us out)




The next photos are from the walk up the hillside, so I have not added any particular narration to some pictures)













(R - On the trip up there were occasional stops for "refreshments" on the road side)


(L - So what are you lot looking at>>)







(L - Even some of the local villagers turn out to have a look)


(R - Mae Khaam follows the big bull, which is ridden by a mahout)



(L & R - A small water crossing the road proves an obstacle for some)








(L - But not everyone!!)



(R - The Mahout turns the elephants off the road and into the jungle)






(L - The track is UPPPPP)


(R - And we follow - although not quite as easily!!)




(L - The Mahout cleans mud out of the broken tusk stump)

(R - The sun can be hard on the skin, so this was a good stop for a dirt shower)



(L - Let's take a snack to nibble on the journey)

(R - One of the volunteers gets up close to Mae Khaam)








(L - Our group say their farewells)


(R - Our group photo!!)








Then disaster struck!! The elephants found a muddy water pool, and decided to cool off. They filled their trunks and squirted the muddy water - EVERYWHERE - including the surrounding volunteers!!

(L & R - Victoria from Hawaii received most of the mud - she said that she loves the new elephant so much she may not wash for days!!)