Big Tree

Woken to the sound of rain, a tropical downpour. Just the two of us at breakfast Mr Manager true to his word has been shopping, now the Dame is spoilt for choice and could end up looking like the elephants. Bread, pancakes, banana cake and cornflakes. He looks so pleased with his selection. “Just toast” the Dame tells him, now he looks so disappointed. “Okay I will have a piece of banana cake” The bread and cake are from a mix, but they are very good, the Duke also has some of the bread, better than Mother’s Pride. 

Today we are going back to the National Park to attempt the walk to the ‘Big Tree’. At the visitor center we met the lady from yesterday, she is very pleased to see us. Given a map, the sort you would draw on the back of a cigarette packet! Off we go. So far very well signposted, the climb up begins.

At the first view point it also seems to be a tea station not sure we will join in!

The climb begins to get steeper as we skirt the mountain. Lots of our friends join us on the climb, luckily we have given ourselves a good coating of Mossi spray. Approaching a very narrow ledge with a steep drop on our left, “what are we doing up here” the Duke protested. “One cannot go back, press on,” says the Dame… Not sure the Duke agrees. At the highest point of the climb they do provide ropes so you can pull yourself up. Frequent stops for water and Mossi spray are needed. Hooray sign to ‘The Big Tree’ Yes it is a huge tree.

The way down is not so steep but quite slippery and not very well signposted, but the Duke is leading the way and with his Commando training (well he was a Boy Scout) we found the right path. The Duke and Duchess now have aching knees and sore toes from the descent. But made it to the bottom not bad for a couple of oldies. The Duke comments ‘after that climb I should be able to keep up with Peter Mulholland!” (walking football)

Back to the Lodge for a much needed drink, shower, lunch and siesta.

At dinner tonight there was a local dance troupe. Girls from the village performing traditional Thai dances. Their performances here and at other hotels raise money for the school, They were excellent and so was dinner.