It seems that one of the "must see" items in Northern Thailand is the Elephant Camp. So, like good tourists, off we went. I was actually quite pleasantly surprised. They do a really good job of showing how the elephants can be trained to do a multitude of tasks, but they also throw in an ox-cart ride, and elephant ride and and bamboo raft ride. Considering how many tour buses show up at these camps, they choreograph the whole day so well that no one is left waiting for anything. It turned out to be a very enjoyable experience, although I don't think any of us will rush back to ride an elephant. Either there is a knack to it that I don't have, or a bum shape that I don't have!!
There were lots of elephants roaming around that were more than happy to pose for photos.
We got a brief demonstration of how they bathe the elephants.
And then we watched a show that highlighted some of the skills the elephants have learned. One of the most remarkable was their skill to paint. Several of the elephants have been taught to paint with their trunks. It really is quite amazing. Their paintings are available for sale.
Campbell and Kelly were feeling a little more comfortable around the elephants after their ride through the jungle on one.
After riding the elephants and then in the ox-carts (neither of which I have great photos, but great memories), we went on a bamboo raft down the river. After the hussle and bustle of Bangkok and Chiang Mai, a float down the river was a very tranquil and welcome experience.
From the elephant camp, we made a stop to see the orchids and a butterfly farm. We didn't see any butterflies at the farm, but Campbell managed to come up with a couple of snakes to pose with.
Kelly, on the other hand, found lots of orchids to pose in.
