Hello everyone! Today, we're going on another hike!
Our journey began with a visit to a friend's house. We wondered what exciting activities awaited us there. So, on a Saturday evening, we hopped on our motorbikes and rode from the heart of Phetchaburi city towards Nong Ya Plong district.
The long ride took us until nightfall, arriving at our friend's house just as darkness settled. We ate dinner and went straight to bed, exhausted from the journey.
The eggs were sourced from a neighbor, the canned fish is of unknown origin, and the kale was transported from the city, a distance of ten kilometers. Tonight's meal is complete. Good night.
Wake up early, wash your face, brush your teeth, eat breakfast, and set off on our journey early in the morning.
This is the friend's house where we stayed last night. Before we go anywhere, I heard that the villagers here have their own Karen costumes. Since we are here, let's try them on.
This outfit must not be washed or exposed to water. It is worn for ceremonial purposes. After wearing, it should be turned inside out, aired in the sun, and then folded and stored carefully in a cabinet. The value of local woven fabrics lies in the craftsmanship and dedication of the elders who weave and tailor them for their children and grandchildren.
It was time for us to go hiking, so we rode our motorcycles together. The road here is not very developed, and we didn't even see anyone else riding.
Upon arrival, we immediately embarked on our journey.
The forest here is mostly bamboo in the early stages, so be careful not to get poked by the young bamboo shoots.
Beyond the bamboo forest, there were some large trees.
The first mountain was steep and tiring, but the climb was worth it. The descent offered a different scenery, with large trees replaced by smaller, charming ones on another hill.
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As we walked, we came across this view.
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In the chilly morning air, we rode our motorbikes, the cold making our faces tremble. However, we didn't manage to catch a glimpse of the fog.
Alright, this is another yellow slope, this one is small but quite steep. Plus, there's no one to save us or any ropes to hold onto. Be careful!
Upon reaching the summit, they rested and ate to recover from their fatigue.
Dried morel mushrooms. My friend said there are a lot of mushrooms here. Let's come back next year to find some.
Upon reaching the mountaintop, we encountered numerous revered Buddha statues worshipped by the locals. Bells were available for ringing, but surprisingly, there was no stupa present.
My friend told me that: The sacred Meng Keling Pagoda is a sacred place for the Karen people here. It is located in the Meng Keling Pagoda Monastery, on the top of a mountain in the middle of other mountains. Meng Keling means "bald head". There is no pagoda here yet, but there is a project to build one. Not many people come here, so we invited our friends to go hiking together.
Haha, I've been tricked! ><
While the absence of a sacred relic may be a disappointment, the cool morning air and breathtaking 360-degree views more than compensate for its lack. The convenience of its location, free from the throngs of tourists, further enhances the experience. Today's visit has proven to be an invaluable learning opportunity, offering a unique perspective and a sense of tranquility.
After enjoying the fresh air and scenic views, the temperature began to rise. We decided to descend the mountain to avoid the increasing heat. If you're interested in exploring the forest, it's a great place for a hike. For those who prefer camping, there are designated campsites by the cool river.
For now, let's say goodbye for today. For our next trip, we'll be going to... stay tuned to find out!
ME' Art X Traveller.
Monday, November 11, 2024 9:55 AM