Journal Entries

Klong Prao Beach, Koh Chang Island

Island of Koh Chang - Hubby had to do some work, so the kids and I joined some friends for this short hike to Klong Plu waterfall that turned out to have great cliff jumping. The trail was well-maintained. Wasn't too crazy about the $5 fee to access the trail, but it was cheaper than entering the nearby national park.

First day on the bike this year, moseying around South Portland with Hans (testing out his new bike, which will be used on a trans-US trek this summer). Chilly and overcast, but a good time with lots of stops for hot drinks and baked goods.

In January I fractured my 5th metatarsal (playing soccer), which put a hiatus on any active adventures for over 6 weeks. This photo is from 2 weeks after I got my cast off, it was my first ride since before breaking my foot. I was super excited to be back on the bike, and have been slowly building up a few kilometers at a time again. It is so hot riding here, so I only go at 6:00 am, right when the sun is rising. Good thing I'm a morning person!

Sunday River Whitecap, one of the highlights of the Grafton Loop Trail, is not very easy to get to in winter (even if it was the first week of spring the other day). My hiking buddy, Nancy, and I tried to bushwhack to the peak a few years ago, and did not get very far. This year we tried it again, and made it to just below the summit. Alas, it was so windy and cold that we had to turn around. But no problem-- it was just as beautiful below the summit as up top. We were lucky to find the GLT coming out of Miles Notch at all, since the trail is incredibly difficult to find in the open birch forest. Maybe next year we'll make it all the way to the top.

Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's first national park - this was a day of exploring mostly by car and scoping out some trails for future trips, as I'd just got my cast off from a fractured foot, and my leg and foot were weak from being in the cast for 6 weeks so I couldn't hike much. We plan to do an overnight trip here next November (at the end of rainy season when wildflowers bloom). A three hour drive from Bangkok.

Our youngest doing some rock exploration at Nam Pha Pa Yai climber's camp. This camp is awesome, less than 2 hours from Bangkok near Latburi & Saraburi. Tons of limestone rock to climb here, you can rent gear if you don't have your own. You can also book a repelling adventure, as well as use the zipline. The food here was fabulous - authentic Thai and cheap. We enjoyed camping in the cool season, just before Christmas. Had planned to go back in February, but plans were derailed when I fractured my foot playing soccer!

YES!! A rest day. Slept in ate breakfast drank coffee had lunch drank coffee had snooze and about to have beer! Seems so much easier than cycling 100ks! Managed to duck down to the local beach and play in the sand, and who did we bump into but John and Cathy Preston. Sprung! I thought John was helping Bill in Sydney and Cathy had gone on a 3 day Pilates course, but no they’ve ducked off for a romantic break. Back on the road tomorrow. Can’t wait!