galmc2Report

We all have our challenges. One of mine has always been that I am somewhat prone to motion sickness. I get queasy watching or playing video games, and being in the back seat can sometimes be problematic.

Before we left I spoke with my doctor to see if there was something I could take with me, just in case. Back on the last trip we were given some patches that worked wonders after a tough night in the Galápagos Islands, but all that was available this time was good old Gravol.

In Chiang Mai as we did research on how to travel to Pai and further north to Cave Lodge. We read how the road, with all its twisty turns, was potentially a huge challenge. After some debate as to whether we should change our plans, we decided to soldier on.

A visit to a pharmacist in Chiang Mai loaded us up with many tools to hopefully avoid getting nausea on the trip to Pai, and we were able to book seats (forward facing, I learned later that this is a key factor) in front of the van. Heather actually got the shotgun seat, with me right behind her. Off we went, with the both of us loaded up on Gravol (the high powered sleepy kind).

We skated through the drive to Pai unscathed and with confidence high. Perhaps too high (at least for me).

In Pai we arranged travel to Cave Lodge by tagging onto a tour to the Tham Lod cave. We also arranged a 1/2 day tour of a bunch of local Pai sights for the day before our journey north.

I remember thinking “how bad can this be” as we got into the back of the truck for the 1/2 day tour. Here there are bench seats seats on either side of the flatbed, with a “roof” extending to the front of the truck. Four people on each side, so cosy. Off we went. No meds. Just a little peppermint smelling thing, just in case.

I think we hit the wall at the lovely Bamboo Bridge site. After that we were both holding on for the remainder of the sites (which culminated with a lovely view of the sunset with maybe 500 other travellers). We got driven back to town (Heather advised that it was way too long and dark to walk back) and rebooted ourselves with some beers and pizza.

So the morning comes and it’s time to get ready for the trip north. Not having much intel on what we signed up for, I erroneously hoped that, given it was another 50ish km, that we would be be back in a forward facing van. So EarPods fully charged, and full drugs consumed, we awaited our ride.

I know what you’re thinking.

Yep, another “sit on the side of a flatbed” truck, with 6 other people wondering why these folks brought suitcases for a day trip.

We started off ok, but then the wheels fell off for me. Nowhere to focus. And then the sleepy side effects of the Gravol kicked in so I was trying to not be sick, and not pass out, at the same time. When we got to the rest stop I didn’t even have the energy to get off the truck.

We finally made it to Cave Lodge. Thankfully Heather was fairly unscathed. Me on the other hand? I passed out in our room, saying a prayer that sleep would reboot my system.

Once I was up and around (and feeling about 1/2 way recovered), we wandered over to the Tham Lod cave to see the rush of swallows entering the cave at sunset. Once again I was reminded how strong the medicinal nature of travel can be. It can knock you flat, but then turn around and offer you something that reinvigorates your psyche!

Once we got back to the lodge for dinner we looked at possible activities. The downer for me was that most of what I saw involved getting back in one of those trucks, and I knew I just didn’t have that in me. I needed a break. So very regretfully I passed on the chance to do the Tham Nan Hoo cave trip and stay at the lodge while Heather went off to do it.

So today I take the “L.” My limitations mean I lose out on what looks like a great chance to explore a cave.

But……

As I write this, I see that there is a couple taking kayaks down to the little riverbed here. A quick glance at the activity board says we can kayak from here through 3 caves (including the one we saw last night).

Maybe that’ll be on the itinerary for tomorrow? As for today, all things considered, I think I’ll see about turning this “L” into a “W!”