Whilst the threat of Tropical Storm Gaemi, may have halted our plans to visit and survey Pang Sida, it didn't stop work altogether. As you can see in this picture, SFD, as helpful as ever, is inspecting a hole...dug by yours truly. 

Two years ago, we built our current hut and, whilst it's still a fantastic (and largely dry) place to live, the weather has taken it's toll on the terrace and repairs are needed. The terrace is one of SFD and Cwtch's favourite places. Here they can watch over their territory and look for any border incursions by the dogs in the next planting. They can also duly harass the poor guy who jogs up and down past the planting as part of his daily fitness regime, or anyone who dares to pass along the road by any means, if it's less than 20km/hour. But I digress. In a nutshell- we knew major reinforcement for the hut & terrace was needed when any movement by SFD, whilst on the terrace ,(scratching/rolling/walking) led to a major tremors throughout the hut. Hence the digging of holes where new concrete posts will go.

But- we're not stopping here. Why dig 5 holes with nothing but a crow bar and a coconut shell when you can dig seventeen? Whilst we are in the mood we have decided to build a school room (long awaited) which will house 3 more guest rooms above it. 

It's an exciting, but a little nerve-wracking time. Many people have expressed an interest in learning English here in Klang Dong...but being interested and actually doing are two separate things. I have 'expressed an interest' in running a marathon, several times over the last two decades and have even filled in a couple of application forms, only to fail at the first attempt to get off the sofa.

As with all things...time will tell.

After Olympian dithering (oh that it were a sport) we are finally ready to launch our website. The last six months have been spent setting up Khao Yai and Beyond so that we are able to deliver our vision without compromise. It's not always been easy, but we now feel that we are ready to give our customers the real experience of the jungle that we had dreamed.

We have surveyed and tested some great routes which give a variety of levels of trekking. What they have in common is that they are remote and unique and will give you experience of the real jungle. Not the one seen from the back of a pick up. We have also focussed on recruiting local people, who know the jungle intimately, to help us guide our tours or be our trackers. It is our intention that by investing in local people that they will be able to make their living by protecting the jungle rather than taking from it.

We live about 15km from the main drag of guesthouses, and would more accurately describe our accommodation as homestay rather than guest house...or guest hut! If you choose to join us on one of our tours, your accommodation will not only be free, but will give you a unique insight to how many rural Thais live...but more about that in later posts.

For now, I am being called to go and lug some bamboo. I hope that you find us here in cyberspace and having seen what we are about- come and visit us in person :)