15/03/2010 Chaing Mai to Mae Chaem
Trip Start
Unknown
1
5
33
Trip End
Ongoing
Mae Chaem, Thailand
Monday, March 15, 2010
Soon I reached Doi Inthanon. Was is bit perplexed by the 'Restrictions and Punishment' board displayed at the entrance. Number 1: collecting rocks – 5-20 years in prison! Was not going to risk that one! Paid my entrance fee and headed into the park. This is where Thailand’s highest mountain is (2565amsl). On my way to it I visited the Wachirathan waterfall. One of many in the park and surrounding areas. As I was winding my way this mountain I realized that I was running out of fuel! The hills was sucking up my fuel very quickly so I reduced my pace to crawling. Eventually I made it to the top. Almost no views, but at least I can say I was on Thailand’s highest mountain (and Africas!). So with my near empty tank I made my way down the mountain, in neutral gear. Not recommended but I had no choice. The village I was staying at was 22km away and I was panicking a bit. So I stopped at a check point and explained I needed gas. Luckily there was a pump 7km away, and to my relieve mostly downhill. Filled up and again full speed ahead.
The road from Doi Inthanon to Mae Chaem was very steep with lots of sharp corners. I kept sliding of the seat of the bike, which is much too small for my long legs anyway. So I wedged my knee in the front of the bike and slowly made my way down the mountain. Not a moment to soon I arrived at the hotel, The Navasoung. Very nice. Checked in and jumped into the pool straight away to cool down.
