Our first nights sleep was rough to say the least, most of us has horrifying dreams and woke up with a crick in our backs. However, spirits were still high and we were given a very well rounded breakfast. There’s nothing that toast and hard boiled eggs can’t fix…except for most things… Anyway, we got on the road at about 10:30 am. Pot had reassured us that today would be relaxing, only waterfalls and a few hours of hiking. I had my trusty bamboo stick, so I felt confident. My knee actually didn’t hurt at all either, thank Buddha.

Before we left the village. We stopped at “Jungle School” as Pot called it. It was just a little school for the village children, including his daughter. She is 3 1/2, so I assume all the other kids were around the same age, give or take a few years. There was noticeably no teacher, nor any kind of order, they just did what they wanted. Pretty awesome, and a little concerning.
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Walking was so much easier this time around, there was a lot of up and down, but also much more level ground to catch our (my) breaths. Breaks were plentiful. We passed through a little village on our way that was especially unique. All the roofs were made from leaves from the trees, it was certainly a sight. The boys and Pot played a game that I don’t know the name of. It’s pretty much soccer volleyball.

The first waterfall was breathtaking, trumping the first one from the day before. I opted out of a swim but loved taking the time to relax and listen to the water. I made sure to rest this time just in case we had a hard trek ahead of us

After eating some awesome homemade ramen noodles from a leaf, we walked a little while longer to another waterfall. Pot cut down bamboo trunks and made us each our own cups out of them. He also whipped up some chopsticks. He used the huge long shafts to boil water in for tea and coffee. It’s safe to say he is a true mountain man. I don’t think I mentioned this, but he did the entire trek in flip flops. I literally feared for my life and he was in flip flops. Incredible. He told Chandler that he took a three year course to become certified as a tour guide. I can totally see why. Not only does he guide us, but he cooks all our meals, makes us bamboo things as we walk, and can spot a spider or snake or anything in places us normal folk could never find. We love Pot! Haha….

We indeed bathed in the waterfall, just brought some soap in and lathered up. It was the most well deserved bath I have ever had. I truly don’t think I have ever been so dirty in my life. I had to put my gross clothes back on after, but it was worth it. The boys went to far as to shampoo their hair, the luxury of being almost bald. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of that filth is still in my hair. It will probably stay there forever.

The last village we went to was similar to the first, but a bit more secluded. We had actual cushions to sleep on this time! I was so excited. There was another little waterfall right next to the huts we slept in that was so serene. All the village people were bathing in it when we went down to have a look. We saved our baths for the next day. Pot cooked for us again, and we drank way too many Changs. The night ended with us gathered around the fire singing and talking. Pot’s friends and family even came down, making the experience all the more special.

Falling asleep was much easier this time around, and waking up more difficult. We were in less of a rush to get moving on the third day, so we headed down for a dip in the water and a quick wash. I accidentally dropped the soap and it floated away with the current. The two girls from Liverpool became my fast friends, I am always so grateful to meet cool girls. I love my boys, but they are indeed boys.

We hiked to see another waterfall that was beautiful, but so touristy. We laughed at the tourists and their photo-ops because we were clearly above that, having been real, professional, three day trekkers. The next stop was to go bamboo rafting. After lunch, we saw our Welsh friends that we had met in Koh Phangan! It was a gas.

The bamboo rafting itself was really beautiful. It was a slow and steady ride. The raft itself is very long, and we had a guide at the front of it the whole time. We definitely got soaked, but other than that it lacked excitement. The river was gorgeous, but we were surprised at the amount of random pollution we saw. I suppose it isn’t actually that surprising, considering the fact that trash cans are far and few between, and recycling bins virtually nonexistent.

After our float, we piled back into the Song Thaew and headed home. I took the most glorious shower I have ever taken. I almost wanted to go back in once I dried off. Instead I passed the f out, along with my com padres. The trek was amazing. Though difficult at times, I have never been so proud of myself for completing something. The boys even said they were proud of me, even though I couldn’t have done it without them. But truly, it has been the most rewarding part of our trip, not only on a personal level, but to see the way the tribes live was amazing. I would definitely recommend a similar experience if you’re considering it, its a unique, remarkable way to see Thailand.

More to come soon! One love.