From Hull to Everywhere Else

Trip from Krabi just up the road to Ao Nang which is a bit more beachy.
On arrival day just relaxed. Had a McDonalds at lunchtime. You have to have one every once in a while just to remind yourself of the reasons not to have them the rest of the time.
Day 2 - booked a trip to the elephant sanctuary.. Turns out to my surprise this also includes a kayak trip along the local river. Hadn't expected this but the river was very beautiful with trees emerging from the water. The water was exceptionally clear. And other than the sound of the paddles there was no noise. I was half expecting Martin Sheen and a bunch of US hellies to appear over the horizon to the tune of Ride of the Valkyries - it was that kind of place (if that doesn't mean anything to you, google it). No photos unfortunately as we were warned that it was a regular occurrence for phones to be dropped in the river and although very shallow - not a desirable outcome. Saw one guy out of the boat just floating there with his lifejacket on looking for his phone. So mine stayed in the dry bag in the boat. After the kayaking went to the elephant sanctuary. I wasn't exactly sure what I was in for but it turned out it was simply just a ride on the back of an elephant for half an hour or so. Was a bit conflicted about whether this was ethical or not, but my actions one way or another aren't going to make any difference and at least some of my fee was going to the sanctuary. Anyway the first half of the tie I was on a seat at the back of Dario (the elephant) while his handler rode just behind his head up front. Waling around sitting on the back was very soothing. But we went up some very steep squelchy paths where there were huge elephant footprints filled with water. Wearing my bikers head I was thinking 'there's no way I'd get up here' which led to me to think - 'can an elephant? if he (she?) falls over i'd be flat as a pancake. But given he was walking in footprints I guess they were fairly clear that they could make it without mishap. There were times when the elephant just stopped and the trunk emerged for an explore ( I couldn't see the tip of the elephant cos the rider was in the way).
About half way through the rider hopped off and urged me forward to where he had been. Much less stable and much more scary - like the camel ride from a few weeks ago but higher up. But Dario was very chill and just kept walking steadily. And then ... we went past the mounting / dismounting point and the guide instead took me into a pond / pool with a very steep muddy entrance and exit - I was definitely thinking here is where I fall off!!! But it didn't happen. Not quite sure how. And then returned to the dismount point and nearly got caught up in the ropes as I got off. That would have been interesting.

Spent the evening relaxing and had an Indian curry with Amy & Steve.

Day 3 - was planning to go to Phi Phi Island today but have deferred till tomorrow to check out a possible cheaper way of doing it.Read more