The driver and our guide, Nop, drove us about an hour north of Chiang Mai to visit Elephant Eco Valley. https://elephantecovalley.com/ Nop was our guide when we took the Girl’s brothers here in 2023.

We rode EcoValley’s transport up a very bumpy dirt road to the jungle camp.

We spotted a herd of quite happy Asian Elephants.

After changing our clothes and having a nice lunch, we met a wonderful elephant. The primary mahouts who take care of the elephants are from the Karen Hilltribe.

“Tata” is very sweet and calm. Would you believe she is 43 years old?

Our friend.

This was a truly special moment for all of us!

“Please Papa, can we take Tata home with us?“

After exploring the camp to learn about the elephants, we introduced ourselves to the hungry elephants with bananas.

We followed the mahouts as they guided a few elephants down to the pond for bathing.

“Oops!“

She loves a good scrub!

A day to always remember!

We were pretty soaked but what a fabulous experience. Marla had to watch the elephant bathing from shore because of her foot problems.

Marla with grandsons Vaughan and Owen in 2023.

Breakfast the next day.

Picture time!

Picking out their choice of oils for massages at the Shangri-La spa.

Marla and I have been coming to the Chi Spa at the Shangri-La Chiang Mai for many years.

A day to just relax and have fun as we fly to Bangkok the next morning.

Photos: Dick Gentry. Not to be used without permission.