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

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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

18/08/05 Report Huay Tung Tao ridge loop

A merry band of 16 hikers and 3 K9s assembled at the start point on a cloudy and humid morning.  With the pre-hike rituals completed the group set off into the forest along a nice flat trail allowing everyone to loosen up before the hill climb commenced.  A respectable pace was made and we were soon on the dirt road and the main uphill trek.  This was also being used for a 36hr endurance race so we had a lot of company on this section of the hike.  We took a short break for water and to regroup at the top of our ascent and then continued along a quiet dirt road which contoured around the hillside and eventually took us out of the forest into farmland.  Making good progress a leisurely snack break was taken after about 2 hours hiking, unfortunately we were in the clouds so there was not really much scenery to be had but there was the occasional break which offered some views of Chiang Mai and the surrounding area.  After the break we continued along the dirt road for a few hundred metres then took a trail back into the forest and the start of the descent.  The conditions underfoot were not to slippery considering the recent rainfall but, the group did get separated somewhat and the last few hundred metres of the hike were done in many different ways due to the newly constructed road but everyone made it back and there was a full house at the restaurant.

A pretty fast time of 3hrs 40mins, distance 11kms and total ascent of 510mtrs for those interested in stats.

Thanks to all for the company and making it a fun morning, lunch was good too.  Thanks to Matt for the photo.

 

2018/07/29_Report_Ban Nasa hike + picnic

Once again the weather favoured us. A great deal of rain had fallen during the week, but there was very little on Sunday. The air was humid but not specially hot. The number of hikers+cooks luckily (14) fitted with the number of 4WD vehicles available (3), given that one intrepid member was happy to sit atop luggage. The hour-long drive culminated with a series of streams to be forded, and then we reached our base camp, where our leaders immediately started setting up tents and the meal site.

The hike was a loop within a valley: the first half taking us mainly through hilly forest to a small Karen village; and the second half leading downwards past a banana plantation, through a cluster of rice paddies, and along the stream.

A village weaver offered her products for sale

 

 

No choice but to get our feet wet at this point. Some made it an excuse to be wet all over.

 

Camouflaged spider. Photo by Waka

Returning to the start point, we enjoyed a picnic of delicious fried rice and pork cooked by Khun K & friend. Driving home, some of us took the opportunity of a short detour to see the Pha Chor canyon.

 

Distance hiked: 17km. Duration 5h 40m. Elevation gain/loss: 500m.

Hike leadership: Matt. Reporting by Michael. Photos by Michael and Waka.