18/10/21_Mae Taeng Circular_Trip Report

This hike has a history of low cloud and rain. It was with a measure of trepidation, therefore, that we set out with heavy afternoon rain in the forecast. However, although the forecast turned out to be broadly correct, the detail as it affected the hike worked out to our benefit and the weather gods atoned entirely for their past shortcomings. Morning and early afternoon was cloudy with occasional shafts of sunshine, enough cloud to keep the temperatures down but with beautiful clear air affording spectacular and sweeping views over the Mae Taeng Valley and distant mountain ranges. As we descended the view was enhanced if anything by the tonal contrast between the deep slate grey over the Chiang Mai Valley, the black thunderheads gathering over the mountains to the south and east and the more nuanced light grays to the west. The whole accompanied by a symphony of rumbling thunder.

As usual there were a few minor challenges and a little drama to surmount en route. A moment of concern when we could only find 23 hikers as compared with a pre-hike head-count of 24. This until we realised that the lavatory attendant had been included in the pre-hike count. Then, where 2 months ago there was a nice clear trail, a riot of peanut plants, making for some uneven and unpleasant crop-whacking. One member of the group turned his ankle crossing the peanut patch and we briefly considered wheeled transport back down from the nearby village. Fortunately our hiker rallied and was able to complete the hike in fine style.

Climbing completed, we split into faster and slower groups at the lunch spot with about 8 kilometers of descent still to go. The faster group completed in 6 hours and just avoided the rain, the slower group in 6 1/2 hours and got wet. However, the rain held off until the steepest and potentially most hazardous sections had been negotiated in dry conditions.

Lovely flowers and fascinating bugs as usual. The most “striking” animal reported was a snake trying to enter the changing rooms as hikers were abluting inside. One can only imagine the result if it had been successful! The attendant fully lived up to her honorary status as a hiker by chasing it off with a bucket of water rather than by whacking it over the head.

To cap a lovely day, a relaxing late lunch by the side of the raging Mae Taeng torrent before the long drive home.

Thanks to Tom and Khun Bussakorn for the photographs.

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2018/10/20_Report_Huay Tueng Thao short hike

Four humans and a dog enjoyed this morning walk. A circuit of the Huay Tueng Thao reservoir and rice fields was completed in a little less than two hours, and we lingered for nearly another hour in a small coffee shop with a great view across the lake. The threatened rainy spelll held off until we had had time to get home.

2018/09/16 Report Huay Jo Rocky Mountain Loop

Although the weather was fine at 0600, when the update was sent out, it had all changed by 0620 and, as a result, most of us got a bit wet going to the rendezvous point.  However, ten hardy souls set off from Ruamchok at the appointed time under a veil of cloud, in good spirits, slightly damp but no rain and, as we neared the start point it started to brighten up a bit and we were greeted by a lovely tranquil scene when we arrived.  We could have stayed there all day but there was a hike to be done so, once the trail was located, it was up into the forest and the first uphill of the day.  After about 20 minutes we took a ridge trail for a while and descended into a valley where a water break was taken.  The clouds had cleared by now and the temperature, as forecast, was rising but the shade from the forest kept it a bit cooler.  The next two hours were a mixture of uphill and small ridges which we took at a steady pace and took regular breaks for whatever reason.

Lunch was taken at about the half-way point and everyone was happy to know that most of the uphill was over as it was getting quite hot now, even in the shade.  Fed and watered the last uphill section was cleared and the mainly gentle homeward ascent began.  It was around here that some of the group were lucky enough to spot some monkeys up in the trees, a very rare sight for the group, lets hope they are left in peace to flourish.  Unfortunately they were too far off and too quick to get a photo but other forest life did pose for the camera.

A spider with her eggs

Not just a leaf, a stick insect too

Some hikers trying to blend in with the surroundings

The only down side of this hike is that there the trail comes out on to the road at the opposite end of the lake so there is a 1km hike along the road at the end, still it does improve the appetite for the post-hike refreshments.  Some of the group decided that they would go for a swim, to the amusement of the many fishermen and their families.  Post-hike refreshments were taken at a popular restaurant on the edge of Mae Jo and a good time was had by all.

Many thanks to all who came on the hike, had a great day.

Special thanks to Bussakorn for the photos.

For those who are interested distance 17.6km, total ascent 700mtrs in 5hrs 20mins

2018/09/17_Report_Ban San Lom Choi short forest loop

There were only two for this short hike. A dark cloud and shower in the early morning might have deterred some, but – as so often happens – the the cloud lifted, and sunshine rather than rain penetrated the forest canopy. Beginning behind Wat Pong Noi, the main part of our walk was a triangle with a short base. We ascended 250 metres in 2km and an hour, and then descended the same distance on another path in about 40 minutes. The total hiking time was slightly over two hours, and we relaxed afterwards in a coffee shop before returning to our respective homes for lunch.

Photo by Janet

Hike initiation and reporting by Michael

2018/08/26_Report_Mon Jaem forest loop

A total of nine people (including hike leader) turned up for this short hike. When we arrived at Mon Jaem we discovered that the comments on the webpage were correct and the previous dirt road has been concreted along the ridge to the base of the hill to the main view point. It is possible that the way up to the view point may be concreted but it appears that the main direction of the concrete will be around and down the valley, thereby providing a loop road for the omnipresent minibuses stuffed with tourists. The viability of this hike in the future remains a question mark until construction is completed. Nevertheless our small group made good progress on both concrete and dirt roads to the view point which was surprisingly clear, giving good views of the surrounding countryside.

On the other side of the hill we were faced with the choice of our original route, now somewhat overgrown, and a new path which seemed to offer a shortcut. Seduced by the potentially shorter path six hikers took the new path only to find it ended in an agricultural area. They doubled back and retraced their steps back along the route to rejoin the other three, who had completed the original loop, beside the picturesque rubbish dumb. Towards the end of the hike the group split again with most going straight back to the car park and a small group walking down the now heavily concreted road past the small vineyard and up though the village.

We completed this short hike in just over three hours and then retired to the Therma Doi restaurant for a good lunch.

Hike leadership and reporting by SRR

2018/08/19_Report_Dtaat Mook Waterfall

The idea of a short hike with a late start didn’t prove as popular as expected. Only three people (and a dog) turned up, including the leader. Perhaps the recent heavy rain put people off. In the event there was no rain during the hike, but conditions were often slippery underfoot, and all three humans went down at some point. One got back up again with an elbow bleeding from a graze, and when cleaning the wound discovered a leech just beginning to get stuck in nearby. The leech was a surprising find at the low altitude.

The path was obstructed in places by fallen trees, and sagging thickets. But there is great beauty in the forest in wet conditions, especially along the course of the rushing stream, culminating in the waterfall itself in full glory.

 

On a more prosaic note, we started and finished the hike at the north end of the Huay Tung Tao reservoir, where a giant gorilla attraction has recently been raised amid the rice paddy. We were not above having our photo taken in Kong’s grasp.

Hike distance was not measured, but probably more than the 4km originally estimated. Hiking time (excluding Kong visit) was about three hours. On finishing we resorted to a lakeside restaurant, where we were soon joined by returning participants of the longer hike.

Hike initiation and reporting by Michael.

 

 

2018/08/19_Report_Huay Tung Tao – Ban Khun Chiang Kian

Nine people turned up for this more-demanding-than-usual Sunday hike, and all completed it in fine style. See the images for statistics and highlights!

Hike leaders: Matt and David

Photo by Waka

 

Photo by Waka

 

Photo by Waka

 

Photo by Waka

 

Photo by Waka