January 5: As we set out for our Thailand trip I certainly didn’t think we’d be white water river rafting, but that is one of the activities offered in the Chiang Mai area, and one that Ryan and Meagen suggested we do. Ryan, Meagen and Candace all had to buy shoes as they only had flip-flops and shoes were required (or sandals that had a heel strap). Notice Meagen showing off her blindingly white shoes (purchased at the Sunday Night Market for 120 baht, approximately $4).
We had done this activity together as a family several years earlier, rafting the Thompson River in B.C., so it seemed fitting that we all do it together again in Thailand. After doing some research (you just have to love Trip Advisor) we discovered that Siam River Adventures was the group to go with. As we traveled out to our rafting site we weren’t too sure how much of an adventure the trip would be; while our guide assured us that even though the water level was low, there were lots of class 4 rapids that would be exciting, the water we passed looked very calm and tranquil. Our road trip to get to our base was in itself an adventure; our van traversed through the mountains on what we would consider “serious four wheel driving” back home, passing elephant farms and several mountain villages along the way. Apparently we were fortunate; during the rainy season it is not uncommon for people to have to get out of the van and push it through some of the really rough spots – we didn’t have to do that.
When we got to our destination we were served a buffet lunch; fresh pineapple, bananas and sticky rice roasted in banana leaves, and a variety of thai dishes with rice. This was followed with a safety talk and we were impressed with the focus on safety – very similar to our experience in B.C.
All of the staff were Thai, and while they didn’t all speak fluent English, they had the basic commands down pat – “on the job” (assume normal position), “paddle forward”, “paddle backward”, “paddle harder”, “to the right”, “to the left”, “lean in”, “get down”, “hang on” and “high five”. We were sure they said some of the commands just to see us move around in the boat – they all had a great sense of humour and they thoroughly enjoyed their job.
While there were some tranquil spots where we could sit back and relax, our guide was right – there were lots of class four rapids that we thoroughly enjoyed!
When we got to our destination we were served a buffet lunch; fresh pineapple, bananas and sticky rice roasted in banana leaves, and a variety of thai dishes with rice. This was followed with a safety talk and we were impressed with the focus on safety – very similar to our experience in B.C.
All of the staff were Thai, and while they didn’t all speak fluent English, they had the basic commands down pat – “on the job” (assume normal position), “paddle forward”, “paddle backward”, “paddle harder”, “to the right”, “to the left”, “lean in”, “get down”, “hang on” and “high five”. We were sure they said some of the commands just to see us move around in the boat – they all had a great sense of humour and they thoroughly enjoyed their job.
While there were some tranquil spots where we could sit back and relax, our guide was right – there were lots of class four rapids that we thoroughly enjoyed!
Glen, Maureen and Candace's boat: (the Thai guide loved teasing and splashing Candace)
High fives for a job well done!Ryan and Meagen in another boat (they were the trouble-makers, starting water fights with the others :)
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