Popular Post villagefarang Posted July 7, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted July 7, 2013 For the story tellers among us, here is a place to share a short story about life in Chiang Rai without any other constraints. I will start things off. Chasing Blue Skies It rained through the night and I awoke to one of those lazy gray days where one cannot tell time without the aid of some manmade device. It was a colorless, featureless day, very good for doing nothing at all. It had been far too many days since my last ride, however, and that had me chomping at the bit, restless to hit the trail but still uncommitted due to the weather. By the time I managed to overcome my inertia, it was nearing noon and I was still undecided about which direction to take. My initial plan was to head West but as I paused at the end of our driveway in a light mist, I could see rain in that direction. To the East though, high above the mountains, I thought I glimpsed a touch of blue and made a quick change of course to chase those blue skies. By the time I was crossing the Ing River, I began to feel more confidence in my choice of direction. The closer I got to the mountains the clearer things got. That mist like rain which I began my ride in, was gone and the mountains beckoned, promising blue skies and clear views. It had been some time since I last attempted the two kilometer climb to the mountain reservoir but I felt the call on this day. Threading my way through tight village lanes, I found my way blocked by a funeral procession as I neared the mountain trailhead. There was not an inch to spare on either side, and dressed in black as I was, I fit right in with no one offering to make a path for me. I could see the temple up ahead, but at the processional pace, it was going to take some time to get there. Taking a chance on a side soi, I eventually found my way to the foot of the mountain and the beginning of the torturous climb to the top. It quickly became apparent they had done some work on the trail. I have grown to expect the dramatic changes that one encounters on the trail. Sometimes they are washed out, burnt out, overgrown, graveled over or excavated by tractor or backhoe. As usual there were also some newly cleared slopes and felled trees, as the industrious locals seek to add to their meager incomes. My biggest surprise was yet to greet me. Heart pounding, lungs searing, panting like Cookie on a hot summer day, I stood in awe at what lay before me. Usually I have been greeted by water which stretched from dam to forest with no vantage other than from atop the dam itself. I had been there when the water was low but never like this. There were massive old tree trunks scattered about and large areas were covered by a moss like growth which helped to keep one from sinking into the muck and mud. Looking out over this odd terrain, which was usually hidden from view by several meters of water, I saw a few trails where someone or something had trod, leaving deep footprints, highlighted by the angle of the sun. At first I venture slowly, uncertain of my footing. Each step was an adventure as I walked my bike over the spongy floor of the lake. From the tiny plants beneath my feet, to rocks and tree trunks which dotted the area, to the eerie feeling of walking in this giant bowl like space, my senses were overwhelmed. I spent quite some time wandering about taking pictures and marveling at this magical place. I really didn’t want to leave but I had spent much longer than usual and still had a long way to ride with the temperature rising and my water running low. Reluctantly I found my way back to the dam and started home. That is when it really struck me, how much work they had done on the trail. Lets just say it was quick ride to the bottom. It ended up being a 48 kilometer day and I am feeling it today but I still have a smile on my face when I look at the pictures and remember. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theblether Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 Story tellers you say? I'm away to watch the tennis but " I'll Be Back ". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xen Posted July 7, 2013 Share Posted July 7, 2013 I would like to see a few of the photos if you would care to post especially the moss.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villagefarang Posted July 8, 2013 Author Share Posted July 8, 2013 I would like to see a few of the photos if you would care to post especially the moss.. Here is one closeup shot. For others you might follow the link on my profile page. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
villagefarang Posted July 8, 2013 Author Share Posted July 8, 2013 Here is one not found on the blog. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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