There are a couple of sites here in Chiang Mai that we go to frequently. This is because they have covered shelters that we can use in case of rain and because of the fact that this is a not-so-frequented by the locals National Park area so we don't have to worry about anyone getting on our case about trespassing on their land - which rarely happens anyway but is something we think about frequently.
At this particular location there are paths going every which direction and there are also some pretty great hills which means that every time we re-visit the trails is going to be different.
Some people might think that we come here so often because of the fact that it is easy to get in and out of and because it is far easier to set up a trail here for the Hares than on some sort of unknown territory that crosses over the land of dozens of private land owners. We are not disrespectful to any of the farmland that we visit but we are always in danger of upsetting a local who might not like the idea of dozens of stranger just running across his land.
While I do tend to agree at least somewhat with the argument that it is easier to set trail here that doesn't mean that I don't have a great time every single time I go to a run in this location. Because of the thick coverage of trees over 90% of the area, this is actually a wonderful place to have a much cooler run. Don't get the wrong idea, it is still painfully hot but much less so than other areas that we go to. There is almost no exposed area out here and this includes near the roads since the land on both sides belongs to the government and no one is permitted to clear the land.
Ok, I might have lied a little bit, there is some clearing of the land but this is done with permission to prevent wildfires. The undergrowth has to be cleared out otherwise this area and many others like it are a massive fire risk especially during the dry season and the soon upcoming burning season.
We had a lot of fun, drank a bunch of beer, and even though our numbers are still pretty low compared to pre-Covid stats we still had a great time with the people that have been able to find their way back into the country. Thailand is playing "nice" at the moment as far as visas are concerned so we look forward to many of the snow-birds heading this way when their home countries become absurdly cold and uncomfortable.
