Heading north

Halloh. From way in the south to Chiang Mai is a long haul. I could have flown from Ko Samui to C.M. for 8000 bht. I would need to stay one night in Samui. Or, I could boat back to Chumphon, sleeper train to Bangkok and fly to C.M. for 4000 bht. Thats what I did.
It was great to back in my favorite Thai city. Most of my frends were here. I've been taking it easy. The weather is hot, but not unbearable. 92 degrees doesn't feel much hotter than 88. It's funny that my Thai friends are complainig about the heat. It rains nearly every day, but not for too long. I've always been near a place I can duck into to wait out the shower. When it rains, it really comes down. It then feels cool and refreshing for awhile.
I needed to make a visa run. Myanmar is the easiest exit point. I planned a loop trip. Straight to Mae Sai, then down to Tha Ton and Fang for some cave exploring. The bus times were all wrong for me. I would have needed to stay in Mae Sai two nights. The town is deadsville at night, so I bussed back to C.M. the next day. There may be something going on here. There were armed soldiers roaming around on both sides of the border. About half of Thailand is still under marshall law. There are many check points in the north. The bus was searched twice. Id's were examined (not mine though) and many young Thai men had their bags checked and were frisked in their seats. I will plan another attempt to Tha Ton and Fang. Then Saturday its off to Bangkok and to Vietnam. With 25 percent inflation in Vietnam it will only cost more later. Great logic huh?
The internet shop where I sucessfully loaded photos is closed today. The computers there have Picasa already installed. Tomorrow I will try again.
English David arrived yesterday. We will have some lunch and then he's off to Chiang Rai for a few days. Ta for now
Ducklass