Enchanting Elephants

One of the highlights of Chiang Mai was the day we spent with the elephants. After a lot of research, we went with a reasonably priced half day tour with an ecotourism company called Elephant Jungle Eden. This company provides a sanctuary for retired riding or mistreated elephants and has a no-ride policy. After changing into our elephant shirts we hiked down a mountain to meet the elephants. We fed them sugar cane, watermelon, and cucumbers which they would snatch with their trunks. I don't think either of us have smiled that big and that much in a long time, I certainly couldn't wipe the grin off of my face. Once they were well fed we went for a hike in the jungle to a hut overlooking  waterfall where we ate fried rice from a banana leaf and took a nap, followed by a swim in the waterfall and a hike back up the mountain. Bath time was interesting...we caked ourselves and elephants in mud and then rinsed them clean in a stream.
Overall, it was a magical day interacting with these beautiful and strong gentle giants. The only thing bigger than their stature is their spirit.