My Journal - Oct 2-3, 1993

October 2, 1993

Another little tio in the National Park was to a cave, a 3 km walk down a lonely country road, then up an ancient ladder, into a hold in a rock. There was a Buddha Shrine in the hole too, of course.  A primitive jungle staircase about halfway took us 100 meters straight up. To a breathtaking view, all around – beautiful. I nearly split my skull, when my foot got stuck and I fell forward in slow motion. Fortunately for me, Juli was sitting right there and I landed in her lap.

Friday, early we left for Petchabon & Pitsanaloke, to visit PeGao’s radical farm. We kind of got lost and came the back way through some of the most beautiful landscapes. Everyone kept pointing out the deserted terrace, the erosion, the lack of trees, etc. but it was really beautiful, vast, green and beautiful. PeGao’s farm was cool, especially after we got to see the pictures of it before. He was showing us how he was alley cropping and had planted beans to keep the weeds down, he was pulling up some beans to show us how rich the soil was when a 4-5 ft long black snake showed himself. He slithered across Juli’s foot, and everyone ran. I took pictures. PeGao caught its tail and Lee tried to help and ended up getting bit. Fortunately it wasn’t antarai (dangerous) according to PeGao.

We arrived in Pitsanaloke early evening, Motel 6. But it feels like heaven! Hot water, shower, and large bathtub, western toilet, hardly any bugs. I have no misgivings about being anti-social, because I am not bored. The bathtub made me want to find a wine cooler and bubble bath. No bubbles, oh well, its too hot anyway. The wine cooler was tasty though. So, I have been in my room most of the day, reading, writing letters and even studying. I am listening to my Toby Keith and Hal Ketcham cassettes and still think they have the most awesome voices.

October 3, 1993

It is Sunday, and I am at Rachel’s land settlement now, she hasn’t really told us much about where it is, somewhere close to Uttaradit in the north. It is very nice, doesn’t appear to be a poor community.