I bought the bike and decided to pedal it back to Lamphun. It's about 18 miles. Left CM at 12:00 noon. Another hot day and after a few miles realized I wasn't going to make it. Tried to get over to another road near the train tracks that would give much better chance for hitching a ride. Wasted a lot of time and energy getting lost a few times.
However, on one of those attempts came upon a wedding party and decided to stop. Was very dehydrated and figured they would have lots of ice and water. Without hesitation, they honored my request. Then they asked if I wanted something to eat. Soon, a large plate of fried rice and a dish of steamed pork were brought out and placed in front of me. I drank over a quart of water and all the food. They offered me beer, too, which I declined because I was still a long way from Lamphun and it was the hottest time of the day.
Eventually made my way another few miles to a location near the Saraphi train station. The road I wanted was across from the station and train tracks. Once there, started hitching hoping a pickup would stop. Sure enough, within 5 minutes got a ride from owner of new large one. The driver and his friend were retired teachers heading back to Lamphun. Driver had taught auto mechanics, his friend, welding. We stopped at a beverage shop along the way and they treated me to a large orange juice and ice drink. We all had the same thing, but they were served one at a time in five-minute intervals. Was puzzled by the slow service until I noticed a large clear plastic bag filled with squeezed orange remains and realized the drinks were made one at a time with fresh oranges. Drinks were some good!
The driver, Jamnong, dropped off his friend, and then took me directly to my abode. I invited him in, but he had to get home. After he left, I realized my pack was still in his truck and I did not have his contact information. The only thing of real value was a tablet with many photos, notes, etc. I knew there was no need to panic, that he would discover the pack and return it, which he did the next day. This time, he accepted my invitation to come in. During our conversation, he made a map and gave me details on where he lived. His place was on the south side of Lamphun City. I made plans to go to his home later that day.
His map was good and I had no trouble finding his house. Both Jamnong and his wife were home. Neither spoke much English, but they managed to tell me they had visited New York City, Niagara Falls, and Washington, DC. After a short friendly visit, I was ready to move on, but they asked me to wait. Their daughter and son-in-law were on the way and wanted to meet me.
Shortly, they arrived - an attractive and intelligent young couple. They are having a large house constructed next door. They both have graduate degrees.The daughter, Kwan, studied some in Toronto. Her husband, Tor, worked and studied in London for two years. Both are fluent in English and had many questions. After Gail arrives, they would like to have us over for some good Thai traditional food. Should be a fun event! Another amazing mini-adventure!
