It has been one of my goals to ride an elephant through the jungle, don’t ask me why but it was just on my list. We spent a fair amount of time trying to locate an elephant camp in which the elephants weren’t being abused, we were lucky enough to find Thom’s. Thom’s is family run and the elephants have been in the family for 2 generations, which means old elephants which means good care. Snacky was gung-ho about elephants ever since Kanchanaburri, where she announced that they were her favourite animal. We had been warned my many folks that travelling on an elephant is not a luxury ride, it’s more likely to but your spine out of place, but we signed up for the 3 hour elephant ride anyways, because we figured after the rocket shoe, why not just go for full out abuse. When we got to Thom’s we inspected the elephants for abuse, found none, and then fed them huge stalks of banana leaves, which they mowed down on like celery. Then we climbed the elephant platform and awkwardly scampered onto the elephant. We chose to ride with out the seat, figuring it would be more comfortable for both us and the elephant. Our Elephant Phanom, was a little slow, and seemed more interested in continuing to be fed banana leaves between naps; it was after all very early in the morning. She voiced her dissent by grumble ling and farting which sounded a lot like a motor bike and caused the French couple behind us to cover their noses and make faces of disgust. We however, lucked out to be riding the farting elephant, and were having the time of our lives riding through the misty jungle, even if it was on an elephant with bad gas. Robin got to ride on Phanom’s head and would reach down and hug her every so often. Our guide walked along beside and sang “You are my Sunshine” to Phanom when she seemed a little hesitant about forward motion. After we got back the elephants took a break and then we headed down to the river where the elephants took turns splashing and throwing us off their backs. When we were done we said goodbye to Phanom who was happily munching on Banana leaves, and then treated ourselves to a dip in some natural hot springs.