Thailand Elephants & Adventure - Question for Kelly Meekings!

1. According to the information, it is suggested that one be "reasonably" fit. Can you tell me what defines this? I do a ton of walking and am in good health. But, if asked to run a marathon ... it wouldn't be pretty.

Ha ha - it wouldn't be a pretty sight if I ran a marathon either, let me tell you! If you are used to walking and are in good health then this suggests a good start. I must admit, I was a bit lazy before I went and didn't prepare possibly as much as I should have. You will benefit from doing some kind of cardio exercise as some of the hills are steep, and in the heat it seems harder than normal.

The main thing to remember is that if you have a reasonable level of fitness then you will enjoy the trekking more. Good shoes are key, as this makes a huge difference to your comfort while walking, a water bottle carrier is a good idea (or if you have a camelbak type thing, to give yourself a good water supply), and just pace yourself. The group is only as fast as the slowest person, and the trekking guides will always keep with the group - a couple at the front, and always one at the back. No-one minds having plenty of stops for photos and resting, so you will only need to go as fast as you are comfortable with.

To give you some idea, I sometimes go walking, and enjoy the occasional bike ride and exercise class. I loved the trekking and felt it was one of the best parts of the tour. One of the other people on my trip had been training for the police force and still found it hard work on the hills.

From what you have said it sounds as if you will be fine for the trekking. If you want me to email you any photos drop me a line on kelly@imtrav.net.

2. How "up close and personal" do we get with the elephants?

At the very least, you get to interact with the elephants EVERY DAY at bathtime. This takes place at 1pm after the volunteers have had lunch. The elephants are walked down to the river by their mahouts, they get in and the volunteers can wash them if they want. When they have had enough, the elephants will get out and then go to the riverbank and start throwing sand and mud all over themselves. You can have photos with them, touch them, receive elephant kisses, it's a great time.

If you happen to be working on the park or back from your morning jobs by 11:30am then you can also feed the elephants at lunchtime. The mahouts prepare a basket of fruit for each elephant and everyone can take a turn at feeding them from the feeding platforms. You can take photos as much as you want and it's a brilliant experience.

Again, if you'd like to see any photos of this I am more than happy to email them to you.

You could also look at my blog entry here:

http://www.imaginative-traveller.com/node/22150

I hope this is of use - don't hesitate to let me know if you would like any more info.

 Regards,

Kelly