Back to Chiang Mai. We rented moto #9 for transport but again enjoying the independence! This time we rode out of the city heading east, passing through small villages with lush green country sides surrounded by mountainous jungle. During self tours and getting lost we sometimes find the most interesting sites. This time Steve spotted some teepees off the highway and after further investigation discovered an authentic cowboy style resort. After wandering around Lil Tex we decided to stay for lunch. The place was decorated with true western paraphernalia, even the cutlery was stamped with bucking horses. Throw in some horses and cattle and you've got "Yee Ha"! The Asians must lap this stuff up. It felt like being thrown into Winthrop Washington. After eating spicy tuna salad we straddled our mechanical steed and headed down the highway to the Mae On Cave. A huge dragon decorated the staircase leading up to the cave entrance. After climbing through the small stairwell entrance it opened up to a very large cathedral size hall. Quite interesting to see a large sleeping Buddha along with other smaller objects of worship in the bowels of this cavern. On the road again to our next destination, the San Kamphaeng hot springs. Ah the sweet smell of sulphur and minerals or should we say, eweee. This spring has two geysers with a man made creek to allow the bubbly to flow threw the grounds into smaller controlled hot baths and pools. We dipped our feet into the creek and holy hot hot hot. Steve dunked his whole body in and the Asians around us were pointing and looking amazed that he had the tolerance to take the heat. I was fine just gingerly dipping my delicate feet. We then paid 100 baht to enter the mineral swimming pool with a perfect temperature of 88-92 F. Back to the city for dinner at our fave East Indian spot, Le Spice, where we brought our own bottle of wine. Gotta love it! Later to The North Gate Jazz Co op for open jam night. Within minutes of arriving they were requesting a keyboard player. Steve was in his glory, happy happy happy to be jamming with talented musicians from around the world. A nice finish to a great day in Chiang Mai. The next day it was off to check out the Chiang Mai National Museum. The history and artifacts of this region was exotic. Saw huge 13'th century kilns used for making pottery and even got to hold some original broken clay pieces. After leaving the museum during rush hour time we had a little road mishap. While turning right another moped hit us from behind. It was 3 young guys riding three up, then it was five down. I rode on Steve's back as we skidded onto the pavement. All is fine except for minor scrapes on Steve, sure glad he wears leather gloves and that the cars, trucks, and other riders we able to stop. We bent the muffler cover, foot peddle, and a little pride. We are so lucky. I was a little nervous with some adrenaline flowing. But as the old saying goes you just got to get back on the horse and ride like the wind, glad it was not gone with the wind. We have been told that #9 is the luckiest of all and we were on rental #9 with licence #994. Thank you very much! The following morning we were off the fix the bike (forget ICBC claims). Steve spotted a muffler repair shop and right away two guys were working on the bike. They fixed everything in a half hour but when we motioned to pay they were insisting upon no charge. Can you believe it, the people in this country blow us away, we are reminded almost daily of their kindness and generosity. Oh ya we gave them a couple hundred baht and even then Steve had to insist they take the money. Another example of Thai culture helping out. Our next stop was the Tribal Musem but it was closed due to holidays. The Loi Krathong festival is here and that means three days of celebration. On the way home we stumbled upon a huge landscape market that was 4 or 5 streets long with beautiful flowers, trees, cactus, etc. If we had a place here it would be lush with exotic plants! Later we enjoyed an evening ride to catch some of the celebrations which included beautiful lanterns, fireworks, and light shows. Next day off to find one of the eight waterfalls at the Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailands highest peak. It was a long hard ride on the butt, but so worth it. 130 km on a scooter through Asia is HARD to explain, you just have to experience it. Anyways, the Mae Ya waterfalls with it's terraces was absolutely beautiful. Later that evening we headed down to the Ping river to experience more Loi Krathong. This festival is quite spiritual. The river banks were lined with people who set float tiny lotus shaped boats made from banana leaves decorated with flowers, candles, and incence. It was interesting to watch the Asians make a blessing before sending their boats down the river. The Buddhist origin of this celebration is "letting go" or being freed from your troubles, as the lanterns and boats are launched releasing suffering and to wish good luck in the future. Steve and I sent a float down the Ping river with good thoughts and wishes to our families and friends back home. Wonderful and lucky to share this experience.
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