Intrepid as F*&k

Ok so we had a brainwave this morning.

Decided since day-long bus rides are boring and cramped, and being guided around temple after temple with flocks of other tourists is equally mind numbing: so we've hired a couple of motobikes, packed the essentials plus a change of clothes into our day-packs and are going to embarking on a 4-5 day motorcycle voyage of north east thailand tomorow. Should take us through the likes of towns called Pai, Soppong, Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae Sariang. The highest peak in Tailand is somewhere along the route too.

Coupla of websites we've come across have said "ride the famous Mae Hong Son Loop one of the worlds top Motorcycle roads", so it's gotta be good for ya (us). Gonna be awesome riding through the countryside and staying where/when we want. Will probably do a 2-day trek from some town along the way; hopefully involving a bit of bamboo rafting and stuff - seems to be lots on offer in the region

Picked up our bikes today from a place recommended in the Lonely Planet and run by a couple of sweet english blokes. Dom's on the ususal 110cc scooter, but I've upgraded to a 125cc semi-automatic jobbie. Badass. Also boosted the 40-odd kms about up the mountain range that overlooks Chiang Mai. Super-windy roads, which was a lot of fun. Stumbled upon the winter residence of the Thai Royal Family up there too..... Looked alright.

Should arrive back in Chiang Mai aroud the 10th of the month, when we'll decide what our next move will be. Might be east. Might be south. Might be south-east... who knows.

Happy Waitangi Day back home. Hear Tama Iti was back to his usual tricks!
Nick