Caving in Chiang Diao

 Correction - we were staying in Malee's Nature Lover's Guesthouse, which is next to the Nest. After an afternoon resting, swimming in the pool and checking out the local Tham Chiang Diao, we were refreshed and ready for the next morning. I went and visited the Tuesday Morning Markets, which were supposed to contain wares from the local hilltribes. However, there were only the usual items one would find at markets and no people from the hilltribes, so after finding some delicious food there for breakfast, including dim sims, a spring roll, banana muffins, a corn waffle, and some mini-proffiterroles, I headed back.

On my return, we headed to the caves in Chiang Diao mountain. They are in complete darkness, so we had to hire a guide with a gas lantern to take us around the caves. The guide's claims that the rocks were shapes like an elephant, cat, or some other animal annoyed me, but once I was able to ignore his suggestions I could appreciate the wondrous natural rock formations without needing to imagine the supposed zoo of rock animals. The caves were great, with amazing rock formations, stalagmites and stalactites, as well as bats on the roof of the caves. Spooky shadows were cast by the lantern which made the whole experience seem surreal.

On the way to the Big Buddha cave, there were fluorescent lights on the side of the cave walls, the light from which bracken and ferns were growing, it was beautiful! However, a local film was being made so we were unable to see the Big buddha cave itself. Having seen many very large Buddhas already, I was not too concerned. Upon exiting the cave, the bright light blinded me into the real world again - I was sad to leave such a cool place! Maybe I'll try spelunking or more caving sometime!!