12 Friends + 4 Meals + 3 Waterfalls + 2 Brakes + 1 Cabin = Priceless Memories

This past weekend, my friends and I took our rescheduled trip to Doi Inthanon (the tallest mountain in Thailand - 8,415 feet). We had many adventures and took in some of the awesome works of Our Masterful Artist the LORD.

The first stop was at Witchiratan Waterfall (above & below). This large waterfall (70 m) kicked up a bunch of spray and you quickly got soaked as you took in the sights and sounds. We had lunch at a snack shop here.

Above: There once was a spider and Annie sat down beside her... or across the creek. Waiting to get our cabin assignment.

Below: "Uh... Jason, that doesn't look very naturey?" Our next adventure though, was less about trees, rivers and rocks and more about wheels, brakes and slopes. I debated about adding this, but giving God glory trumps worrying Mom, so... As we arrived at our cabin after navigating the ups and DOWNS of the mountain, we stopped in the parking lot, only to have smoke billow up from under the van. We had relied too much on the brakes and not shifted into a low enough gear, so we overheated the brakes. They were glowing red-hot and smoking. We threw some water on them to cool them off and prevent them from catching anyting on fire. More smoke poured out, but they eventually cooled off. The next day we checked them out (as best we could) and switched drivers for the ride home. Praise God for delivering us safely to and from to our destination. It is truly by His grace and mercy that we made it. (Sorry Mom.)
Back to the pretty stuff... Above: Rebecca takes in the view at Huay Sai Lueng Falls (Valley of the Yellow Sand). Below: Annie enjoys the cool breeze put out from the rush of water at the base of the falls.Below: Paeng and Tommy release their "inner child" on the trip/

Above: Double-tiered Mae Pan Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Chiang Mai province (100 m) and is much more breath-taking than the bloke in the shot blocking the view. Check out the rainbow (another mark of God's work); there must have been 3-4 if you looked at these falls long enough.

Below: The bottom portion of the waterfalls formed a pool sealed with rock that had a little spillway that released the rushing water down the river.

Above: Russ wrestles with a stubborn fire to wrap up the night. Unfortunately, no one came up with the idea of using the brakes to get the fire going until it was too late. Russ and I later heeded Smokey's advice and "prevented a forest fire".

It was such great trip! And we had some great time of worship as we soaked up the beauty of the LORD's handy-work.

(Note: I should have some more photos from the other soon and will add them when I get them.)