Many places we have visited before, we may have the opportunity to return again, whether intentionally or unplanned. However, the feeling we get when we return to the same place may not be the same. Both the journey and the people we travel with will make us encounter different things anyway. Therefore, when we return to a place we have been to before, we should just set the expectations we had before, and it will make us happy with the new journey, but the original destination.

The mere mention of travel often fills our hearts with excitement, especially when we see stunning images from various destinations. This desire to explore has driven us to embark on countless journeys over the years, capturing memories through photographs like countless others. However, we have increasingly opted to travel with groups dedicated to environmental conservation, incorporating meaningful activities into our itineraries. These trips offer a unique blend of adventure and purpose, allowing us to enjoy the wonders of nature while contributing to its preservation.

"We believe we have found our path." "Volunteer travel is not just about going on a trip, it's about making a difference."

The meeting point for this trip was the same as previous ones, chosen for its convenience and accessibility via public transportation. This eliminated the need to contend with the notorious traffic jams, especially on a Friday evening when congestion typically doubles. Arriving at Big C Saphan Khwai by train, I avoided the frustration of traffic and even arrived early. The mall was bustling with shoppers, diners, and travelers. After a brief wait and a few laps around the area, I found an empty table at our usual spot, a long wooden table. I quickly claimed it, put down my belongings, and went in search of food. The Sukhothai noodle shop had become a tradition, and I knew I had to have my usual order: a special dry wonton noodle with tom yum soup, no crushed peanuts, and crispy pork rinds. I never add any extra seasoning, and the combination with the hot soup is simply divine! As I finished my bowl, the other members started arriving one by one. The place was still packed with backpackers, but our group couldn't leave yet because the van was delayed due to heavy traffic, as usual. It took a considerable amount of time to navigate the congested roads and reach the meeting point, resulting in a slight delay. The trip leader apologized upon arrival, but everyone understood and boarded the van parked nearby, ready to embark on our journey. We had to pick up three more members along the way before finally settling in for the long drive with a group of nine.

After that, we slept soundly, saving our energy for the next day's hike up Mon Chong with bright faces. Every time I travel and have to sleep on the bus, I tend to doze off and wake up throughout the journey, no matter how smooth the ride is. I'm a light sleeper, and I envy those who can fall asleep anywhere. The occasional roadside lights that flashed by served as makeshift sheep for counting, but to no avail. I drifted off for a while, my head nodding occasionally, but sleeping upright wasn't exactly comfortable. Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep, and I don't know how long it had been. When I woke up, the bus was pulling into a place somewhere near Lampang to pick up the last member of our group.

The journey took longer than expected, causing concern for the waiting group. They arrived around 3 am, finding most people still asleep. With the full group of 10 assembled, they continued their journey to Hod District, stopping at the market to purchase missing supplies. However, the late hour meant many shops were closed. By the time they found a place for breakfast and ordered lunch to go, the sun was already strong and they were significantly behind schedule. They rushed to the Muser Forest Protection Unit, arriving just after noon. They immediately registered for porters with the officer they had contacted two months prior, emphasizing their repeated contact, including a call on the day of travel. Despite this, the officer only allowed them to sign in for the ascent and descent. The group encountered the head of the Muser Forest Protection Unit, who informed them that there were two registration points. The point they had contacted was likely further inside. They questioned why this was not explained during their phone conversation, as May had assumed they were contacting the same point she had visited on her first trip. For future visits, they decided to contact the head of the Muser Forest Protection Unit directly at 085 708 7441.

The realization dawned on me that my expression betrayed my confusion and growing disapproval of the organization. I attempted to maintain composure, despite the rising frustration within. After registering and paying the entrance fee of 20 baht per person and 50 baht for a tent, which was a new addition this year, Mr. Somchai found us a four-wheel drive vehicle but instructed us to contact the porters inside. May went to organize our belongings, her mood visibly affected by the situation. Although bathing was an option, we opted for a quick face wash, brushing our teeth, and changing clothes in preparation for the pickup truck. Many who had finished were already having lunch. As we helped load our belongings onto the truck, engaging in conversation and laughter, the female officer who had registered us announced, "If you're ready, let's go. Otherwise, we might miss the checkpoint closure at 2 pm." I turned towards the source of the voice, my face contorted in surprise, and immediately checked my watch. To my horror, only 10 minutes remained before 2 pm! Why hadn't they informed us of the deadline at the time of registration? The realization fueled a sense of urgency as we hastily loaded our belongings and jumped onto the truck. The sudden rush left me breathless.

The car slowly drove along the road, passing through villages until it reached the Doi Mon Jong Tourist Service Center, operated by the Ban Mu Ser community at the entrance. We got off to inquire about the porters again. Finally, the composure I had been trying to maintain snapped when I heard the reply that there were no porters. The officer was at a loss. "What?! We already booked it! We've been calling and emphasizing it all along!" While we were filled with questions, the person in charge at this point had no explanation at all, except to ask us to sign in. So I asked him, "Is there a limit on the number of people who can go up here? Last time, you said 200 people." I heard a curt reply, "Yes, and today it's full, no matter what." Wow! Let me tell you, it stung. How can you be so sure when the vans are parked so tightly? If they had time to check the names of the people who signed up, it would have been better. But there was nothing we could do because the person in charge didn't seem to care about anything except making coffee. I asked again, "Who answered the phone when we called?" Silence, no answer. No one looked at me. I wasn't asking for trouble, you know. I just wanted to know if there was any record of our phone call reservation. And why didn't we get the officer we requested? We already informed you that we would be staying for two nights. He quickly retorted, "The officer is sitting right here, so ask him!" Beep! Let me tell you, that was loud. I retorted in an equally unfriendly tone, "We already called and you agreed, but what you just said is what? You didn't even prepare the porters for us. You said whoever comes first gets the porters first. Is this how you manage things? Then what's the point of calling and booking in advance?" No answer. He continued to make coffee, completely ignoring us. 555 So, I ended up making a fuss for nothing because in the end, I didn't get anything. The members started to follow us because if we didn't leave now, the checkpoint would close, and things could be even worse. We walked back to the pickup truck with the porters who followed us from somewhere. There was one small old man and one woman. We had no choice but to carry our own things since there were no other options. I could only manage a weak smile.

We were crammed together in the back of a pickup truck as it drove along a dusty road towards a checkpoint. We asked the officer checking our IDs how many people had passed through earlier, and he nonchalantly replied, "Probably around 300 or 400 today." We were shocked – that was way over the permitted limit! Our question hung unanswered in the air. From the checkpoint, it was a 15-kilometer journey to the starting point. Initially, the road was paved, albeit narrow, but it soon deteriorated into a dirt track riddled with curves, potholes, and puddles. We bounced and swayed with the uneven terrain, dust billowing around us. Thankfully, we were well-prepared. While some passengers sat uncomfortably, others stood to enjoy the view ahead. Regardless of position, everyone's arms and hands ached after the hour-long journey on such a rough road, despite the short distance.

We finally arrived at the parking lot. From there, we had to hike 4.5 kilometers, which took about 3-4 hours depending on our pace. We helped unload the supplies from the car, and all the communal items were placed in front of us. The female porter picked first, choosing only the lighter items and leaving all the tents behind. Her basket was full, and she walked away. We tried lifting it, and it was lighter than our own backpacks. We smiled faintly. The male porter then started picking, stuffing and placing all five tents and the remaining supplies into his basket. We could tell it was too much, and we told him several times to take only what he could carry. However, he ignored us and continued to pack until the basket overflowed. When he tried to lift it, it was clear he wouldn't be able to. It barely left the ground, but he still refused to take anything out. He clumsily lifted the basket and scurried away to another corner. We tried to distribute the remaining items evenly among ourselves, ensuring no one was carrying more than they could handle.

Our group started walking gradually. At first, we walked in a group because the path was steep and uphill. We walked slowly and steadily. As we walked past the hill and started to descend, we passed other hikers coming back down. We met a porter and asked if he was available to carry more luggage. He agreed but asked to drop off the tourists he was looking after at the parking lot first. Oak followed him because our porter hadn't arrived yet. We waited there for a while, and then May told everyone to go ahead. Soon, the three of us arrived, but the porter we hired said he hadn't eaten yet, so we let him eat and redistribute the luggage to avoid overloading the first porter. May started walking ahead and thought she could catch up with the group in front. She walked fast and even ran, but she still couldn't catch up. It was a time when she was trying to speed up as much as possible because she was afraid it would take too long to wait for the group behind. The atmosphere was quiet and eerie every time she had to walk alone. She didn't want to stop, so she tried to force herself to keep walking. Finally, she saw that the group was not far ahead and could hear their voices. She started walking even faster, even though she knew it wouldn't make her any faster. Her legs were tired from pushing too hard. When she realized she wouldn't catch up, she shouted to the people in front, but it seemed to no avail. No one answered. But she could hear them clearly. The wind direction must have been blowing towards her, allowing her to hear them but not them to hear her. She continued walking, shouting occasionally, until she finally got close enough for everyone to see and hear her. Everyone stopped to wait and walk together. We continued walking slowly because the path was still uphill. When will it be downhill or flat?

And then we saw the Phuhin Chor, which stood prominently between the paths and was now full of tourists. It would be too scary to squeeze up there, as the space on top was quite limited. So we walked past this point first and would stop by again on the way back. After passing this point, it was like walking into the forest again, but the path was not very steep. The surrounding area was covered by large trees, so we could no longer see the sky. The path we were walking on required a lot of caution, as it was a narrow path that went along the edge of the mountain. It was loose soil in some sections. We spent quite a long time walking here and started to fall behind each other, dividing into several groups.

The steep ascent, known as Doi Ma Hob or Doi Wat Jai, with an incline of 60 degrees, is a daunting challenge. Hikers must brace themselves for a slow and arduous climb. Upon reaching the base, they instinctively pause, gazing upwards at their destination and taking deep breaths before embarking on the ascent. The winding path, alternating between left and right turns, offers no respite from the relentless incline. A slow and steady pace, with eyes fixed on the ground, helps to minimize the perception of the steepness and the remaining distance. Some hikers opt for a swift ascent, but this approach is not for everyone. The presence of a cellular signal further encourages a leisurely pace, allowing hikers to capture and share the breathtaking scenery. Despite the fatigue, the allure of the stunning views and the unwavering determination outweigh the physical exertion. The summit is within reach, just a short distance away.

Our group has finally arrived at the top, having climbed the steepest section successfully. Despite the exhaustion and heavy breathing during the ascent, all fatigue vanished instantly upon reaching this spot. The panoramic view surrounding us is a reward for our perseverance and determination in reaching this point. This is the first time we've experienced the 5 pm atmosphere here. Usually, by this time, we'd be nearing our accommodation. However, as you know, everything is out of sync today, allowing us to experience this location at a different time, which offers a unique kind of beauty. The sunlight is gradually fading, creating a relaxed and comfortable ambiance, making us less inclined to rush towards our destination. Although there's still a considerable distance to cover, walking along the ridge at this hour feels delightful.

We continued our hike, stopping occasionally to admire the scenery and take photos. As we approached the Lion's Head, we chose a spot to settle down and capture the moment. From our vantage point, we could see the ridge stretching out before us, leading our gaze to the Lion's Head. The atmosphere was incredibly relaxing, and May even dropped her backpack to take photos. Many others followed suit, momentarily forgetting about finding accommodation. The view was simply breathtaking, and it was impossible not to pause and appreciate it.

The sun had already set below the horizon, and we started following the porters who had walked ahead earlier. We arrived at the Chang Golf Course, where we saw a mud puddle in front of us. The area was now filled with many tents, including ours. We asked the porters, and they told us that the campsite below was full and crowded. It would be too late for us to walk back to the other campsite we passed earlier, as the sun had already set. We were a little disappointed, as this was one of the things we had anticipated might happen. We knew that this was not an ideal place to camp, as it was exposed to the wind. However, there was nothing we could do, as the porters had already set up our tent. We didn't know if the officials who had come up earlier had seen us. All we knew was that we had not seen any officials up here yet. People who had walked to the Lion's Head were gradually returning in lines. Twilight was approaching, and the shadows of people walking on the ridge were another common sight for photographers. We did the same, even though we were annoyed about the tent situation.

Our tents are now fully set up, and we are working together to prepare dinner amidst the freezing cold air that makes our breath visible. The strong wind shows no signs of letting up. Winter gear, thick jackets, scarves, and gloves have been put to good use, and everyone is fully equipped to combat the cold.

A simple meal of canned fish salad, omelets, and fried Chinese sausage was laid out, and we sat around eating together until we were full, despite the strong wind that continued to blow. After we were full, we sat and talked for a while longer. Some people went off to take pictures of the stars, while May decided to lie down and enjoy the stars for a while. In the end, she gave up because the dew was getting heavier as the night wore on. So we all went to bed early, only to have to get up in the middle of the night to pee under the starry sky. We couldn't help but look up for a while, but in the end, the wind was too strong to resist. When we went back to sleep, it took a long time to fall asleep again because of the rough surface where we were sleeping and the cold tent floor, even though we were wearing sweaters, gloves, socks, and sleeping bags.

As dawn broke at around 5:00 AM, the campsite stirred with the murmur of conversations from neighboring tents. However, our group remained in a state of quietude. May peered out the tent window, observing the dense fog that blanketed the surroundings, and opted to catch some more sleep. By 6:00 AM, our members had awoken, but a sense of hesitation lingered in the air. Some contemplated venturing out, while others expressed doubts. Ultimately, a portion of the group decided to embark on their journey, while the remaining members opted to stay behind and prepare breakfast. Meanwhile, we witnessed numerous groups packing up their tents in preparation for their descent from Mon Chong, as most visitors tend to stay for only one night.

The fog remains thick, obscuring visibility to an arm's length. The wind continues to blow strong, making the air frigid and cold. Our breath condenses into visible clouds as we speak. Despite the chill, we enjoy this atmosphere. The sky begins to lighten as we finish preparing our meal, though the dense white fog persists. We observe people intermittently descending from Mon Jong and ascending from Huay Singh. Our group that ventured upwards has yet to return, while those waiting below grow hungry. Unable to resist the pangs of hunger, we begin to eat breakfast while we wait.

The two male porters we hired asked to go down to deliver another group of tourists because there were not enough porters yesterday, so some groups had to carry their own belongings. One of them will come back to us after dropping off the tourists at the parking lot. The other one will go down directly because he is not free to stay with us any longer. As for the female porter who came with us, she also asked to go back down, and another woman replaced her, saying that they were relatives. We couldn't do anything about it, so we had to follow what the porters said.

The group that hiked to the Lion's Head knew what to expect: a thick fog obscuring the view. This is a common occurrence in this area, making it difficult to see beyond one's immediate surroundings. However, the hikers were likely aware of this and prepared for the possibility of a sudden clearing. And indeed, a brief moment of clear skies offered a glimpse of the stunning scenery. Despite the dense fog, the experience held a unique beauty that only those who have witnessed it can truly understand.

Our group has returned and had breakfast. We then helped each other move our belongings and tents to the campsite below. There was no one else there except for our group and one female porter. After packing up, we prepared our lunch and set off for our destination. It was past noon when we walked back up to the elephant golf course to head towards the Lion's Head. However, our real destination this time was the Monkey's Head, which we had only been able to see from afar on previous occasions. This time, we were determined to reach it. The fog had completely disappeared, the sun was shining, and the sky was clear and bright. We stopped to take photos along the way, even though the path was not flat and had some steep sections and descents.

In the distance, we could see the head of a lion, but no matter how much we walked, we couldn't seem to get any closer. Despite this, we continued to chat and laugh, stopping to take photos of the scenery and each other. The sun wasn't too hot, making our walk even more enjoyable. At this point, Doi Mon Jong was deserted except for our group. We couldn't help but wonder if other groups had ever visited this way, feeling as if we were exploring the forest on our own, without any park rangers around. Concerns about safety crossed our minds, but we could only think about it and do our best to look out for each other, sticking together as a group.

After reaching the peak of Huasingh around 2 pm, we took a break to rest and recover from the climb. We then had a late lunch on the summit, enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views. Despite the strong sunshine, a refreshing breeze provided occasional relief. After lunch, we continued our journey towards Hualing, which we had spotted in the distance even before reaching Huasingh. Its resemblance to a monkey's head was uncanny. However, some members of our group decided to stay behind at Huasingh, content with the scenery they had already witnessed. As we began our trek, the sight of the mountain ridge stretching endlessly before us felt like walking through our own front yard. Before reaching Hualing, we encountered a majestic stupa with a towering Buddha statue in the distance. The path leading to it required a descent, adding to the allure of the destination.

The path ahead continues to follow the ridge, offering a distant view of our destination. Despite the considerable distance, our group of eight remains undeterred, unburdened by heavy backpacks, carrying only snacks and water for the journey. As we steadily progress, the initial ridge abruptly disappears, creating the illusion of a sheer drop. However, fear not, Mary, for a path descends to the left. The descent requires caution due to its steepness and potential for slippery conditions. We proceed in smaller groups, capturing the scenery as we go. The sun alternates between intense and shaded periods.

We slowly followed each other in a single file line until we reached the pagoda with the Phra That Tan Jai Phaya Athit Taracha standing tall and prominent, which we could see from the lion's head. We had seen this pagoda before on a previous visit, but we didn't think to walk over because from the distance it looked closer than it actually was. By the time we arrived, we were tired, and to make matters worse, the sun had returned with full force. We decided to take a break from the sun under the pagoda. From here, we could also see the monkey's head, but we still had to walk further down the hill, which if anyone slipped and fell, they would surely roll a long way. Therefore, we had to be very careful when walking down before climbing another hill.

Everyone tried to avoid walking directly up the hill, so they walked around to the left. May then separated to the right, where there was a path that went along the edge of the hill. Although it was not a cliff, it was quite scary and required a fair amount of caution when walking. May led the way until she could no longer see the people behind her. After walking for a while longer, the monkey's head was directly above them, but there was no path to cut up. There was only a path straight ahead, which would have been very far if they had continued walking. From the look of it, they would have had to walk for a long time. At this point, May was hesitant about what to do. She stopped and waited for a while, but the people behind her still hadn't arrived. In the end, she decided to turn back the way she had come. The scenery was the same, but the feeling was different. She didn't know why, but it felt more eerie and scary than when she had come.

We resumed our ascent to the summit of Monkey Head Mountain, where a sign indicated that we had reached an elevation equal to that of Lion Head. From this vantage point, we ventured to a protruding section that resembled a monkey's head from afar. We reveled in capturing photographs and admiring the panoramic vista that rewarded our arduous climb.

May wondered if she could continue walking, so she followed the path to a small hill nearby. Everyone agreed that it was the head of a monkey. From here, May looked along the ridge and saw that there was a path that continued on. This path is likely related to the news we heard about monks walking from Sob Moei District, Mae Hong Son Province, to Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province, and then to Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province (information from the เก็บกระเป๋า page). If we had seen it with our own eyes, it would have been more amazing than just seeing pictures. We sat and enjoyed the view until 4 pm and then walked back the same way. The sunlight was much weaker now, so we walked slowly and relaxed, but not too slowly because we still had a long way to go to reach our accommodation.

The path we walked back was the same path we walked on the way up. We walked along the ridge, climbing one peak and then descending another. The atmosphere was truly amazing. The sunlight was perfect, not too strong, not too hot, and not too harsh. The view was breathtaking, and we walked leisurely without feeling rushed. We passed by the pagoda without even feeling tired. The wind was strong, especially on the ridge, and it carried clouds past us. The white clouds against the clear sky were a beautiful sight, and the photos we took were stunning. The view was just as beautiful in person. The trail to Huay Ling made me fall in love with Mon Jong even more.

We finally arrived at the final ascent before reaching the Lion's Head. Many people were already ahead, while others were still making their way up. The clouds had disappeared, leaving only a clear sky before sunset. We carefully climbed this section, as the path was quite steep, as mentioned earlier.

It took us about an hour to walk back to Huasingh. Some people wanted to watch the sunset here, but most of us wanted to walk along the ridge and cliff, gradually seeing the evening light. The sun slowly set below the horizon. After the last light disappeared, we continued walking, but we didn't need flashlights because the sky wasn't completely dark. We arrived at Chang Golf Course at 6:30 pm. The sky was completely dark and quiet. We helped each other shine the lights we had because the path down to the accommodation was blocked by trees and the moonlight was even darker. When we arrived at the campsite, we were confused. The male porters had already returned and were eating dinner. We helped cook dinner together, and it was done quickly because everyone helped.

After finishing their meal, everyone went back to pick up the gifts they had prepared for a belated New Year's lucky draw. The gifts were placed in the center, and everyone was curious to see what they would get. The gifts varied in size, with most wrapped simply, while some boxes looked luxurious with wrapping paper and bows. Some people made requests before the draw, stating that they preferred small gifts and pointing to them.

The labels were written with everyone's names on them. Before the draw began, May gave everyone a small gift. May drew first, and whoever's name she drew had to give her their gift. Tum's gift box was wrapped in recycled paper, so he didn't feel embarrassed when he had to tear it open gently. He unwrapped it to find a dark green scarf. Tum drew next and got a large yellow backpack from Yui. This one didn't need to be unwrapped; you could tell what it was just by looking at the bag. Yui drew a flashlight with many features from Som, and it was now sitting in the middle of the circle, also without needing to be unwrapped. Som drew a beautifully wrapped gift box from Sa, which we had already seen in the group chat before we arrived. As soon as the gift box reached Som's hands, her left hand ripped off the bow, and her right hand tried to tear the beautifully wrapped paper apart, ignoring everyone who tried to stop her. P'Nu said that Som looked like a child who was hungry for sweets. The whole group burst out laughing, but Som kept tearing until she could see what was inside. It was a set of plates, spoons, and cups that could actually be used in the forest. Sa slowly picked up the smallest box, which belonged to Ken. He unwrapped it to find a portable flashlight that required manual rotation to generate light. Ken then drew, and when he saw that it was Arm's name, he almost didn't bother to unwrap the gift. It was the largest item and the one that Ken had pointed out from the beginning that he didn't want. When he unwrapped it and found a folding chair, he was even more disappointed because it couldn't hold his weight. But he still tried to sit on it, and the chair almost broke. The whole forest erupted in laughter. Arm finally got to draw his own gift after seeing his own gift transformed like that. But he smiled again because the hat that Oak bought fit his head perfectly. Oak also created another sensation because the item he drew was a torch from Pui, which he said was for lighting a fire if you got lost in the forest, which was very appropriate. Pui drew a small, stylish birdcage for home decoration. Finally, Ja didn't draw, leaving only one item left, which was May's. It was two small backpacks, two styles, and two colors. Many people still admired the items they had drawn, but some looked distressed about how they were going to take them down. It was very late by the time they finished. Many people went to sleep, but many also went up to take pictures of the stars to make up for the previous night when the sky was cloudy. Even looking through the trees, you could see a lot of stars. The view from above must be amazing.

We woke up at 5:30 am, when the stars were still shining brightly in the sky. By the time we started our hike, it was already 6:00 am. The wind was strong, but luckily we had brought our sleeping bags. We walked to the old salt lick and set up our camera on the ridge. While May covered herself with the sleeping bag to avoid the wind, Oak started making coffee. Suddenly, a thick fog rolled in, showing no signs of clearing. We decided to head back to our campsite and make breakfast. We took our time packing up, and by the time we were ready to leave, it was past 10:30 am. We started our hike back up the mountain, but the sky was still filled with fog that was being blown by the wind. We followed the ridge back the way we came, surrounded by the lingering fog.

We arrived at the descent of Doi Ma Ho at 11:00 AM. The initial section was shrouded in thick fog, but within minutes, the sun began to shine, the wind picked up, and the fog gradually dissipated. As we descended, the path became slippery in sections. By the time we reached the bottom, the fog had completely vanished, revealing the surrounding landscape and a portion of the sky.

We walked through the sun-dappled forest, a welcome respite from the relentless sun. It was a time for us to walk together as a group, a time for us to walk, walk, walk without stopping. And then, at noon, we arrived at the base of the Phupha Cho cliff, the place we had not climbed on the first day. Upon arrival, we left our bags below and all ten of us climbed up to admire the view. The sky was still overcast, as if rain were about to fall.

We cautiously captured this angle, where everyone was playfully acting like monkeys. We stayed at this spot for a long time, until past 1 pm, and luckily, the sky began to clear, offering some views. The earlier morning had been completely white.

After that, we followed the path, walking along it steadily. After this, there was a downhill section before the uphill climb through the pine forest. We came across a pile of wood that many people used as walking sticks to climb up Mon Jong and left it there before returning. In my heart, I thought that we were almost there, but in the end, we had to walk for almost another 20 minutes. My tired legs started to complain and didn't want to walk for even a single minute more. But I still had to push myself until we reached the point where the car was waiting for us. The others who arrived earlier had been waiting for a long time. Once everyone was there, we got into the car and headed towards the Mu Ser Forest Protection Unit office. However, it took us quite a while to get there, and our bottoms were quite sore by the time we arrived. Once we got there, we lined up to take a shower and finished in no time. Everyone felt refreshed.

Not just the destination

Although the hike to Mon Chong is not long, the natural beauty that we see along the way, from the starting point to the destination, is hidden. For example, there are many different kinds of flowers here, with a variety of colors, which makes the tiring walk more enjoyable at times. It also makes us forget about being tired for a while.

Amidst the breathtaking natural beauty, a stark contrast emerges. While the designated camping area boasts a picturesque landscape of diverse trees, shrouded in ethereal mist, a mere hundred meters away lies a disturbing sight. A multitude of waste, both biodegradable and non-biodegradable, is carelessly discarded. Some items are piled up, others stuffed in black bags, leaning against trees, some of which have been cut down to mere stumps. Evidence of recent campfires smolders, raising concerns about proper extinguishing. Upon inquiring with a porter, we learn that park rangers are responsible for waste collection, as per an agreement between them and the porters. However, the validity of this claim remains questionable. Why is waste not disposed of responsibly by each group? Why should the burden fall on specific individuals? A simple solution exists: carry out what you carry in, especially non-biodegradable items, which are significantly lighter on the descent. This approach not only alleviates the environmental impact but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility and respect for the natural world.

Gleanings

Beyond the natural beauty, this trip was also filled with good vibes, laughter, and fun throughout the journey, both ways. It was as if a group of crazy people had come together. The most outstanding person who made everyone laugh the most was probably Ken. Even though it was their first time meeting, every time they posed for a photo, Ken would strike a unique and enthusiastic pose.

This trip was like many others, with a mix of men and women. However, what set it apart was the unexpected dynamic between the genders. The men seemed unusually gentle and vulnerable, while the women took on a more assertive and protective role. They carried tripods and looked after the men throughout the journey. While their patience was occasionally tested by the men's excessive fragility, they ultimately cared for and teased them in equal measure. The camaraderie and mutual support that developed throughout the trip made it a truly enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Where will the next trip take us to have fun? What will we do that is beneficial in our own way, the volunteer travel edition?

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