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Today we went inland for a change! We started off with about an 80 minute drive up into the highlands where we eventually arived at the start of an 800m walk to the Emerald Pool. The walk through the rainforest was superb and very reminiscent of the walk to Russell Falls at National Park in Tassie, except for the obvious: the rainforest here is tropical. We were surrounded by huge trees and plants and shrubs of all types, as well as palms of course. As it was by now mid/late morning unfortunately there was not a huge amount of birdlife visible but we could hear them. The Emerald Pool is a beautiful freshwater pool with a sandy bottom and it definietely does have an emerald colour. And the water flowing into and out of it is absolutely crystal clear! In a little side stream there were even quite a few fish. On leaving here we were driven to a parking place near to some restaurants and shops and then walked down a track to the site of some hot springs. Just what we needed of course! Actually, they were quite good: the temperature of the water was 42C and quite hot, and after flowing into some large pools that severeal people could sit in at once the water fell down into a large stream which was cold and nice to swim in. We returned back the way we had came and then ate lunch at some outdoor tables. The food was excellent and consisted of rice, some tom yum soup and a chicken dish and a vegetable dish. We shared this with a nice young couple from Singapore.
After leaving here we were driven to the Tiger Cave Temple site. Here it was possible ( we were led to believe) to climb 1237 very steep steps up to the temple on top of a karste mountain. Needless to say we didn't believe what we were told and went a different way! We climbed around 150 steps over a ridge and down into a beautiful rainforest/jungle where the local monks had made their home near some caves. We went on a fascinating circle route through the area and saw the monk's dwellings which were about the size of two outdoor toilets, as well as visiting some caves in one of which was a worship site and very beautiful (see photos). We left the monks behind and walked past some enormous trees and through the most beautiful jungle scenery. On arriving back we had to wait a while whilst those brave souls who had dared the climb staggered back and Grant, a nice guy we had met from QLD, admitted to absolute jelly legs! His partner Jade had initially ventured up but became frightened by the monkeys which are very agressive and he made her return alone! Apparently the poor girl got part way back and froze and had to be rescued by a little boy! Anyway, upon returning home we went straight to the pool and had a few drinks and a long chat with Grant and Jade in the pool (yes I mean in the pool)! It turns out that Grant works for the 10 Network and was really interesting to talk to as he is a graduate of QIT in Film and Television and has an absolute passion for film. Lauren would have loved chatting to him.
After a shower we went down to the beach area for dinner and ate a not very interesting dinner in a pseudo Italian restaurant, of which there are many! We also went back to the tailors to get Sue's pyjamas fitted and I ordered 3 shirts, 2 silk and one Egyptian cotton, for a total of 2800TBH (approx. $93)! Finally home to bed.
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