Read Chapter 5: “The Bridge,” here!
After lunch, the Lesters went back to their car by songthaew, a pick-up truck used for transportation. Their next stop was Erawan National Park.
“It is the most visited national park in Thailand and one of the most beautiful,” Mom told the children.
“How big is it?” inquired Alice.
“It’s 550 square kilometers,” answered Dad.
Once they arrived at the park they left the car in the parking lot.
“Why do we have to walk?” asked Brandon.
“Cars are not allowed in national parks,” said Alice.
“But why?” insisted Brandon.
“Because we must protect nature. National parks are places where the air is very clean and thus many different plants and animals can grow and live,” explained Dad.
“What does Erawan mean?” asked Alice.
“Erawan is the name of a three-headed elephant of Hindu-Buddhist mythology,” answered Dad.
“The shape of the topmost waterfall is said to resemble this animal,” continued Mom.
“How many levels of waterfalls are in Erawan National Park?” Brandon wanted to know.
“I think seven,” answered Alice.
“Yes, you’re right!” approved Mom.
The Lesters followed the trails by foot. They all had a backpack on their backs. In the backpack they had a towel, a bottle of water and some crackers. The trails weaved in and out of numerous pools and waterfalls, sometimes running alongside the water, sometimes leading across footbridges. After one hour and a half they arrived at the seventh waterfall. ‘YOU ARE AT 2 200 METERS ALTITUDE / END OF TRAIL’, a sign read.
“Let’s take a bath!” proposed Brandon.
“But be careful, the rocks are slippery,” said Mom worriedly.
“And don’t dive! The water is not deep enough,” added Dad.
The Lesters had a great time. The children swam and stood under the waterfall. When they were hungry, they ate crackers from their backpacks. As soon as they finished their bath, they prepared for the journey back, down the mountain.
Illustration by Eric Barrientos
