Well, im not sure where to start, the last few days have been amazing...... Bailed from Bangkok on a cheapo flight north to the second largest city of Chang Mai.

Arrived late afternoon on the Thursday and before i had time to breathe i found out the next trek left the following morning. An aussie guy told me not to miss it, so. signed up for that, had a quick discussion with the Karen Hill Tribe Guide, Date and left for the Inthanon private area, a part of the huge northern jungle where the nomadic tribes migrating from Burma and China now live.

So three days and two nights of Elephant riding (fairly tame, but arent they so lovely!), trekking in the jungle (hardcore) and meeting the local tribes (amazing), rafting down a fast flowing river in the jungle and lots and lots of trekking!

We actually trekked 7km the first day in the pouring rain arriving just before dark, meeting the local villagers who invited us to their huts for tea and to meet the pigs (see photos) and cats.

After a good nights sleep as a group (12) we awoke to kick off another 10km trek through the jungle. To say it was hard is an understatement. 10k's through paddy fields, up mountains, down mountains, crossing streams and rivers, in the pouring rain, beating sun and mud, was there mud!! Four hours in the morning, 3 1/2 in the afternoon.

We did it though, and i have the scars to prove it. As you would expect, accident prone me, i walked into a cut down tree, cutting myself from my eye to my shoulder. No real panic itwasnt that deep and the guide instantly located a plant that i had to chew to make a paste then rub into the wound. Two days later and the scar puts any Vietnam vets to shame. I dont have photos but others do and will add when i get them. The rest of the group all thought it looked very macho!

To top the tour, we spent the last morning rafting down the river on bamboo rafts made for us by the locals before breakfast, an hour winding our way down the rapids, yes rapids to the last 40 minute trek was such good fun!! However as we disembarked the rafts, yes you guessed it i not only fell in, i broke a tree trunk bridge right at the end and fell 5 or so feet into a gully!! Haha. Sounds worse than it was, my rucksack broke my fall. I only really suffered a few cuts and grazes and dented pride. The local raftsman thought it was hilarious but rushed to my rescue to fish me from the river.

We finished the trek with a visit to a watefall which was a chance for a proper wash!! Get all that mud off!

A day later and im feeling proud as punch with myself. I did struggle in the jungle, it was hard getting up the really steep passes without help from the guide but the gang i was with were amazing and i loved every minute. I think for a couple of days i am going to take it easy and head down the Mekong River.

Laos here i come. You better watch out.

Love to all.

His royal clumsiness!!