Journal Day 7
Donna Ricks
Women’s Track & Field Coach
Carleton College
Each day has presented us with a new adventure and a
mixture of emotions. Last nights candle light service
touched every Thai & American heart drawing us
together in body, mind and spirit. A time for
reflection.
Today everyone awoke by the sound of the croaking frog
with much energy and anticipation of today’s events.
For weeks I’ve pictured our group sitting tall and
proud, atop the mighty elephant,
trunk extended-trumpeting loudly! Ok, maybe I’ve
watched a little too much television.
Two people, plus our guide rode on each elephant.
Lush green hillsides of beautiful foliage surrounded
our elephant train, (22 in #) as we swayed back &
forth along the banks of the river and though the
water. The size yet gentleness of the elephants
impressed our group, along with their strength
demonstrated during an exhibition in which the
elephants dragged and even picked up trees with their
trunks. Although when Larry Tompkins was asked what
impressed him most he stated, "elephants have big
bowel movements". No need to say anymore.
The raft ride down the Mae Ping River was a very
calming and relaxing ride. Each raft was hand
made of bambo. Sounds of laughter could be heard
thoughout the trip as Carleton students and parents
attempted to navigate rafts down the river with long
bambo poles. Our guides seemed to think it was quite
funny as well. Especially, when Andrew Hedden
steered his, yet to be in-laws though the brush,
fortunately they all stayed aboard.
Our last stop for the afternoon was a beautiful hike
though Mae Sa Falls National Park which had 14
waterfalls for us to hike and swim, almost everyone
took advantage of the pools in which to cool off.
We’ve experienced so many wonderful things already and
our trip is really just beginning. Tomorrow we leave
for the Karen Village, which I expect for many will
be a life changing experience.
Quote of the day!
22 elephants, 44 people
Price- lots and lots of baht
11 rafts, 22 guides and nobody in the water
PRICELESS
