Thailand trek (continued)

Beloved --
This second hill-tribe village has electricity and road access to the towns north of Chiang Mai. As a consequence the village is loosing its young people. . .only about 120 villagers remain.
I got up early to watch the sunrise and was accompanied to the village gate by a very friendly dog. A young monk walked into the village about half an hour after sunrise and "set up shop" in the small building that serves as the town center. Several families brought offerings of food to the monk and received his blessing for their kindness. One of those offering food prepared by her family was a small girl of 4 or 5. She had difficulty negotiating the steps up to the monk while balancing here family's offering. The monk and the little girl beamed smiles at each other.
After receiving the offerings from the villagers, the monk departed with his bounty in a very neat looking saffron colored stash pot. I was told by our guide--Mr. Pan--that he and his fellow monks will have nothing more to eat save what the villagers provide on a daily basis. It must be enough. (Like the orthodox priests I remember from my ex-pat years in Greece, I have yet to see a skinny monk here in Thailand.)
Our third day of hiking (January 29th) involved a steep 3 hour descent. In order to preserve my knees for the upcoming days of mountain biking, I opted to ride down through the beautiful countryside with our baggage in our four-wheel drive support truck. Wise decision, I was told by my fellow trekkers who hiked down. . . .all of whom are good companions, fun to be with, and half my age (whine, whine!) :>} I had forgotten the luxury of being with friends who share a common language. What a treat after my time in India, except for my time with Anna.
I love you and miss you all,
Jim