A total of eleven people turned up at Mon Jaem, eight to do the main hike and three to walk a shorter version. Pollution levels fluctuated but were high enough to prevent any decent views of the surrounding countryside. With a our relatively small numbers we made good time and reached the lowest point of the hike in under two hours, accompanied by a canine volunteer from the village. As the path became steeper the pace slowed somewhat but the group stayed together and we reached the main viewpoint in about two hours and a half hours.
Just before we reached the viewpoint we came upon a somewhat incongruous situation: a large group of Hmong villages (apparently celebrating their New Year) sitting beside a large open fire, with the intention of roasting three recently slaughtered pigs and somewhat oblivious to the potential threat of forest fires. At this stage our canine volunteer deserted us with the hope of better pickings at the barbecue. We finished the 9km hike in about three and a half hours, just behind the smaller group which finished about fifteen minutes before us. Afterwards most hikers adjourned to the Between restaurant for food and refreshments.
Hike leadership and reporting by SRR. Photos from Kurt, Othmar and Michael.
Filed under: Hike Reports, Sunday hike reports |
Chiang Mai Hiking เดินเที่ยวป่าเชียงใหม่ 