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Elephant trek

Elephant treks in Kanchanaburi are usually priced at more or less 20USD for 10-15 minutes. A simple ride, no jungle involved, costs less. A Khao San tour agency offered this surprise inclusion in their package - elephant trekking which was free, so why not?

Gently our planet's largest land mammals see-sawed globe trotters on their back as they maneuvered rocks and growth. The water mark on the elephant's body gives one an idea of the depth of the part of the river it waded through. If the beast suddenly sat and rolled on the water, all this would turn into a swimming party.

While snapping from behind I noticed another elephant ambling alongside us, without 'passengers.' Curious, I asked the mahout what's the name of our chang (elephant). He smiled, "Siripon." "And this little darling here?" "Baby, baby of Siripon."  

The trek took us through cassava, tomato and eggplant fields. We passed by a tree where Siripon's baby tarried at the leaves on the highest branches. The mahout sounded impatient and urgent as he dealt with it in a way I understood as 'no, you can't do that, come along now.'  Mother instinct kicking in, I said,  "it's okay, let him play."

Clock was ticking, and I remembered: tourists were on holiday; Siripon was at work. I felt sorry for her baby. But back at the 'Elephant Terminal' Siripon and her young were getting ready again for a new group of tourists. They looked fine so I stopped worrying.
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Comments

  1. carolAugust 14, 2012 at 6:30 AM

    Awesome photos ~ Oh I would love to have a ride on an elephant ~ (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  2. joyAugust 14, 2012 at 1:24 PM

    the baby elephant just like other young animals is still playful :) that was a pleasant sight to see, i never had ride an elephant, how was your ride?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fun60August 14, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    Wow! riding on an elephant - how brilliant. We forget that these are working animals but what an amazing experience.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Franc RamonAugust 14, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    Elephants are such gentle giants. I hope they are well taken cared of.

    ReplyDelete
  5. KateAugust 15, 2012 at 1:14 AM

    I've taken a few elephant rides while in India and Thailand, and often wonder how the elephants are treated. They are such lumbering beasts and quite awesome in strength and power. I guess I prefer them in a preserve, doing what elephants do naturally. Kate, ABCTeam

    ReplyDelete
  6. rachelleAugust 15, 2012 at 3:32 AM

    i would love to try riding on an elephant. I bet you had a great adventure there!

    ReplyDelete
  7. MerylAugust 15, 2012 at 5:51 AM

    What an amazing experience!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sallie (FullTime-Life)August 15, 2012 at 6:19 AM

    That would be amazing. Our grandson and his wife have visited India and did do this. I loved seeing their pictures too.

    ReplyDelete
  9. BevAugust 15, 2012 at 7:04 AM

    I never had ride an elephant. Perhaps a visit to Thailand will pave me to that ride...nice photos you have here!

    ReplyDelete
  10. RosselAugust 15, 2012 at 7:15 AM

    Riding an elephant is such a great experience. I am wondering if I'll be able to experience riding one.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Roger GreenAugust 15, 2012 at 7:23 AM

    Looks like fun!

    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

    ReplyDelete
  12. photowannabeAugust 15, 2012 at 7:41 AM

    What a wonderful adventure.
    Now that's one BIG baby.

    ReplyDelete
  13. XmasdollyAugust 17, 2012 at 5:45 AM

    Love the photos and thanks for sharing, and all I can say is I'm speechless! WOW

    ReplyDelete

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