Day 13, 21st February - Ki Lek, Phrao

Damage Limitation....... Overnight it becomes clear what my health issue is, as from the early hours I suffer diarrhea which continues into morning. This could easily upset the plans for the day. Again, I'm not interested in food but Katoon insists I eat something before medicine. Well, after just a mouthful I just make it to the bathroom to despite that and a lot more into the sink. As the morning wares on the diarrhea persists and at 11.00am I have to call off the plans for the day and hole up in the room. It's just too risky to travel. However, from midday the issue eases a bit but I'm drowsy and just want to stay in the room and get more sleep, so we book another night at PK Hotel.
As things stand there is just one more district to cover before we make the long journey south. As long as there are signs of improvement in my health we can cover this district tomorrow but I had hoped to not be traveling at the weekend which is fast approaching. At 3.00am things have eased and I decide on damage limitation had head out to add a few attractions in Phrao. Even though Phrao is not a fashionable destination, that doesn't mean there are no attractions here. There are plenty of temples, a hot spring and a reservoir that we should visit within easy reach.
Wat Tham Dok Kham....... At Wat Tham Dok Kham there is a medium-sized cave where Phra Ajarn Mun (Phuritatto) came to rest and practice. Later, Luang Pu Waen, Luang Pu Sao, Luang Pu Tesk, Luang Pu On Si and in the year 1935, Phra Achan Mun (Purithatto) attained arahatship at Wat Tham Dok Kham. This temple appears in legend at least back to the Hariphunchai Kingdom, over 1,500 years ago.
Due to a climb up to this cave I'm just not in a position to check it out which is a pity. I have to be content to look around the temple itself which is modest by any standards.
Wat Phrachao Lan Thong....... Wat Phrachao Lan Thong, built in Lanna style has the unusual feature of having porches on either side of the viharn. In the ground is a golden chedi built on a square base with five levels tapering to the spire on top. In order to enter this temple you need to pass through a gate which gives the clue as to its origin. Two small cannon appear on each side of the gate. This once was a fortified enclosure and a base for the Lanna Army which in context with what else is in this district could predate the building of the city of Chiang Mai which with its moat was more easily defended.
Nong Krok Hot Spring....... As hot springs go, Nong Krok Hot Spring is unremarkable and deserted. That may be due to the time of week but there seems nothing to stop you using the facilities for free. Some landscaping has been achieved here in an area with good views. I arrive here just to record what's here.
Wat Ban Pong....... Wat Ban Phong lies in a walled compound with an entrance through an ornate spired gate. The sermon hall is constructed in traditional Lanna style with a two tiered roof. A golden Buddha image is seated on a pedestal to the left of the main hall. Apart from its attractive design there is nothing really here that I can turn into a story.
Mae Kon Reservoir....... Mae Kon Reservoir lies to the north of the district and it's not that easily accessible due to a poorly paved road leading to it. The reservoir is small just one kilometer from end to end but it sure is peaceful but with no facilities whatsoever.
Moving into late afternoon I've so far survived but I'm still feeling fragile and come evening again I just don't want to eat. Signs of an upset stomach continue and I'm fearful of another difficult night.
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