Hi all,

where to start? Have been on a two day trek into the hills, which was challenging at times but a good experience (and my leg/foot held up - HURRAH!). We were quite a mixed group, with one that we kept "losing" as he kept heading off into the undergrowth to take photos etc (Kim: I named him "ALBI#2"!). After trekking we spent some time at a waterfall, then riding elephants for an hour. Ours was very naugthy as he kept going up into the steep side of the path to get food, which was quite a hair raising experience! The we were rafted down the river on bamboo rafts, and got very wet bums! We got back very tired, very very hot and dirty but had a good experience and the a good sleep.......

...which was just as well as we had to get up 6am yesterday for a day trip (too long - 14 hours!) to the very top of Thailand, via Chiang Rai. We saw some hot springs (not very exciting), a very new and "shiny" temple, went to a Karen tribal village where the "long necked" people live, but it felt very voyeuristic.Then went briefly into Laos by speedboat, and took pictures from a temple that overlooks the border between T'd and Myanmar (Burmah). Then had a 4 hour journey back home with Stirling Moss" at the wheel through very winding and steep roads - hurrah!

Now off to get overnight sleeper back to B'kok & were hoping to visit an orphanage, but haven't heard back from them so will prob go to the bridge over the River Kwai instead. Will let you know.

Shame you have snow as we struggle with 35C heat - ahhhh. Haven't added any photos yet - will try when we have more time. Bye for now, til next we blog.

Linda & Penny xx