So we arrived into Surat Thani at 7am after not too much sleep on the overnight train. Had a bit of breakfast then jumped into the back of a Songthaew (a pick up truck with benches in the back) - doesnt sound like a great mode of transport but taking in the views and sounds of the jungle was pretty special and the 2 hours to Khao Sok National Park flew by. We are now at a resort called Morning Mist in Khao Sok which is just idyllic, We're staying in a wooden shack (which we like to call the love shack due to the romantically draped mosquito nets over the beds) in the middle of the jungle, sharing the room with a few lizards! its really basic but we love it.

On friday afternoon, after a few hours rest we took the plunge and went 'tubing'. Basically you float down the river in inner tubes out of tractor tyres! It was really good fun, quite a few places had little rapids which was cool, the people who took us were constantly shouting 'bum up bum up' because of the rocks!!! there was a rope swing about halfway along the river, but we declined as we didnt want to show everyone up with our superhuman strength...ok so we both thought we wouldnt actually be able to do it! Alyx got bitten on the toe by a Blow Fish - not nice, but not poisonous so dont worry!

After a quick shower we headed out for dinner and drinks where we saw monkeys enjoying an evening dip in the river where we had been tubing. We were both shattered so went home early. Had another massage on the way back - not very nice at all this time, Alyx is bruised, we dont think they knew what they were doing!

We woke up bright and early thismorning after quite a good nights sleep (although Alyx woke up at 4.30 convinced that the door was open and there was a monkey in the room) and went off in another Songthaew to go elephant trekking!

Our Elephant was beautiful we loved him! he was called Wen (means ring). Just went through the jungle and through some pretty slippery mud puddles, on the way back Rach got a bit adventurous and took the chance to ride him bareback! Alyx stayed in the seat while she sat on his neck and got upclose and personal! At the end we were given a basket of bananas to feed him and he wolfed them down. The trek was pretty amazing, but now we're enjoying having some time to chill before our bbq at 7 tonight, then early tomorrow we head off to Krabi for some Beach action and hardcore sunbathing...