Rainy, Rainy, Rain Day

 Nov 22, 2022

Woke up to rain, thick, heavy rain. I don't think it has let up all day. We get brief windows were we think maybe there will be a break, but it goes right back to a wall of water. It's more then just a thunder storm, its a big cell that's sitting over us and being relentless. 

We had a chill morning sitting by the pool hoping it would clear up. Another Indian breakfast all around and a tiny coffee. They only fill the bottom third of the coffee cup, and no refills of the instant coffee yesterday so looks like I'll have to source out some more when the rain stops. 

Finally just past noon there was a break in the downpour. Still raining, but at least it's a bit lighter. We've sourced out an Elephant Camp and we've decided to go check out some elephants. This spot is just up behind us in the mountains and with great reviews. Neither of us is sure if we want to ride the elephants, it would be cool but don't want to promote inhumane tourist attractions. 

We head out on our scooters just up the highway and one road away into the mountains. It's right at the top of the hill and sure enough there lots of elephants up there. They are all hanging out, some under cover others hanging out eating greenery. We are the only people there to see the elephants and we decide to go for a short trek. The other options were all much longer and involved swimming with the elephants, a little less desirable on a rainy day. The 30 minute jungle trek is just a short little lap around the complex. The trails are all paved so we didn't have to worry about the slick conditions. We each also bought a bucket of bananas, the true reason we came was just to hang out and feed some elephants. The trek was fun, our big elephant just lumbered along slowly, stopping to eat at any chance he could. The guide kept him moving though and about halfway he hopped off and Graham rode on the elephants neck the rest of the way. At this point he was allowed to start eating bananas, and boy did he have us figured out quick! He would demand a banana payment every time the guide turned his head for a second and we were quick to supply! He even got the skill of tuck one banana under his truck and get a second pronto. We had a blast feeding him and laughing at how much he loves the bananas. 

We quickly hopped off onto the high platform and purchased another bucket of bananas to just hang out with our elephant. He was more than happy to get nose scratches and let us get nice and close, while we kept him in his banana supply. We were putting them right into his mouth at this point, amazingly huge tongues on these guys! He kept sniffing us with his trunk and nudging us if we were too slow to give him more bananas. It was a very cool experience riding on an elephant and getting down to his level and getting so close. 

It was still the day of relentless rain so after our amazing elephant experience we went back to the hotel to dry off. Eventually after the sun set the rain let off a bit and we headed north to Kamala Beach for drinks and dinner. First we went to the Smile bar, a popular destination. We just had one cocktail there, a bit too touristy for us. We walked all of Kamala Beach, checking out all the dinner spots, it was definitely quieter then Patong Beach and even closer to our resort. We liked the look of a Thai place right along the ocean front and the prices were the usual rate, not with the usual ocean side surplus. The Freedom restaurant was great, another Thai meal for us. At this rate we will have to be rolled onto the plane at the end of our trip. Graham had a Pina colada in a coconut and I had a Mai Tai in a pineapple, we got a giggle out of all the orchids that came with our meal and drinks, we had a whole bouquet by the end!

Early to bed for us, tomorrow is a long scootering day to Krabi and looks like the best weather is in the morning. Raatree sawat (good night).