Crazy Horse

3/2/16

This morning was another early morning as both of us were up before 7 am. I finalized my packing and Robyn went out to get some muesli and fruit dishes from our go-to breakfast spot near the hostel. In case you were wondering this bowl consist of yogurt, cut fruit, and mixed oats. Basically, its a flavor explosion in your mouth; a good morning for the ol’ taste buds. Sadly though Robyn came back about five minutes later empty handed. The lady that runs the small cafe always opens and closes on a very loose schedule, this morning it happened to be later. 

We did a sweep of the room as all good outdoor instructors know how to do. Finding nothing but a new pieces of random trash under the bed and a small amount of spilled climbers chalk in a corner, we were good to throw on our now unbelievably heavy packs. Starting out on this trip we were already carrying lots of gear and weight but now that we acquired some climbing gear and have bought lots of souvenirs our bags were as stuffed as a nostril during a bad cold. Yes people, get excited we have gifts….Anyways we walked out of our room and down the stairs bouncing and balancing our  way through the narrow hallways. 

After returning the key, we set off to the climbing shop where we were meant to meet our pre arranged taxi to the climbing crag. We arrived early to the shop and found it closed so we headed back up the street to find some breakfast giving that we were unlucky earlier. Nearby there were several establishments open so we chose the first one we came to called “Funky Monkey Cafe”. It was quick service and cheap prices, not to mention it tasted pretty good too. After quickly scarfing down some grub and downing our coffees we went back to the climb shop to check in and catch our ride. 

Crazy Horse Buttress

Soon our ride had arrived, so we grabbed all of our stuff and hopped in the back of the truck. Yes our taxi was a pickup with covered bench seats in the back, a standard share ride here in Thailand. Before getting in, we had to hoist our bags to the rack on top the truck which was quite a site to see. Trying to lift over 25 kilos of weight over your head is anything but graceful. We managed and soon were off with a crew of other climbers to the nearby village of Mae On where “Crazy Horse” was located. We had 45 minutes so we began in conversation with the others in the back to prevent the awkward silence. You can get away with silence in an elevator maybe but it would have been nearly impossible to do this in a share ride, especially for me.

Robyn enjoying the view

On our way we made a stop by a road side restaurant to pick up water, use the restroom if needed, and stretch our legs. Afterwards, we headed towards the town Mai On and about 10 minutes later found ourselves pulling into another spot. This so happened to be Jira’s Homestay a welcoming place for all climbers looking to stay by the crag verses the city of Chiang Mai. We mentioned we wanted to stop here so that we could get a room and like magic it was communicated to the driver and, just like all transportation in this country, it works out that you end up where you need to be. We hopped out and grabbed our bags and with the help of a guide who was headed out to the crag we were able to communicate to one of the owners of the homestay that we needed a place to stay. There was not a private room or a dorm room bed available but there were two beds outside with bug nets that were available. Robyn and I gave a look at each other which both instantly understood as whelp, this is happening and why not?! We told them we would take it and so the truck pulled away leaving us at our new home for the next several days. 

We were told to hangout and wait so with no other choice and really no where to go, we did. Soon a lady came over and chatted with us. In a very apologetic sounding voice she explained in her best english that all she had for now was outside beds. We kept telling her no problem we are easy and flexible and would be happy to wait a few days for a private room to open. She smiled and showed us were to keep our stuff and where the two beds were located. Not ideal, but hey when in a foreign country trying to climb in remote areas you learn not to be too choosy with your options. 

Our sleeping arrangements

Being late morning by now, we decided to pack up the climbing gear and go check out this talked up place know as “Crazy Horse”. A short 10 minute hike from the homestay led us to the parking lot of the climb site and soon we found the access trail we needed to get to the wall. Once in the parking lot you can see the feature that gives the crag its name. A piece of rock at the top of the visible rock wall looks just like a horse's head. After gazing at this for a moment, we chose to go to the closest crag (aka. wall you can climb). Once there, we climbed three long but easier routes to get a feel for the rock and to warm up our muscles. Taking time off is good but man does it lead to tight joints and stiff muscles.

Around 2:30 we ended up heading back to Jira’s to grab some lunch. It was rumored that the food here was delicious and plentiful. Fact check confirmed! Not only was it a giant portion for both of us, it was really good. Robyn got a traditional northern Thai dish of chili dip and vegetables and being the original guy that I am I got Pad Thai. Even though I have had Pad Thai before, I couldn't resist the price and surprisingly it was one of the best I have had in all of Southeast Asia. The rest of our afternoon has been spent sitting in the back yard of this beautiful home enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains. I also have been writing this…haha. 

Coolest bugs ever!

Woah…news flash! As I was getting to the last few thoughts of this blog, I got up and stretched. When I stood up I was next to a tree where I just saw the coolest bugs ever! A moth like bug with a long red horn and bright green spotted wings. Moments like these remind me of why I love the great outdoors! Nature is pretty neat. Okay, Im done with this ADD moment and now back to our regular programming…. 

Tonight we plan to go night climbing with several of the people here at the homestay. People in climbing communities are so inviting and when we arrive to a new camp, homestay or town with a climbing community we instantly gain a huge group of new friends/family. Its nice, simply put. 

The sun is setting now meaning its time for us to leave and go climb with our new friends so until next time take out there. Do good, get outside and never stop smiling!