Blazing Paddys

HAVE YOU HEARD the one about the Englishman, the Scotsman and the Irishman? Well, this story is definitely about the latter and, as Irish stories go, it must be unique.

Far away, in the "Auld Sod", is the Dublin based charity of the National Council of the Blind of Ireland. As ever on the lookout to raise funds for the blind and visually impaired, the NCIB enlisted the help of ex-restaurateur, and fellow Irishman, Eamon Duffy. Now Eamon is an adventure fanatic and he came up with the idea of sponsored, long distance cycling tours as an excellent way to raise funds and promote public awareness of the blind and their special needs. That was back in 1998 and when Eamon's Cycling Tour Group (180 strong with many tandem-riding, partially sighted members!) arrived in Chiangmai and just about pedaled their little legs off as they cycled from Chiangmai to Chiangrai to Chiang Saen at the Golden Triangle. And all in the name of charity God Bless "Em! That little effort, astride their two-wheeled steeds, earned Eamon's team the title "Blazing Saddles".

Now Eamon had just been back to Chiangmai again (January 2001) with the same fundraising purpose for the National Council of the Blind in Ireland. This time, ably supported by Elaine Howley (every good yarn needs to have a lass!), he is with a different group and a different mode of transport they have transferred from Saddles to PADDLES! Well, kayaks and paddles to be absolutely honest!

For Blazing Paddies, the destination was the Mae Ngud Lake Reservoir in the beautiful Sri Lanna National Park. The Sri Lanna National Park is located around 60 kilometers from Chiangmai city north on the highway to Fang and Thaton. It's a great place for Chiangmai residents to enjoy picnics and family fun during the weekends.

But a wee bit of practice for the adventure challenge team was in order before heading north to Mae Ngud Reservoir. Practice "paddles" were conducted in the swimming pool of the group's Chiangmai hotel, the Amari Rincome, under the watchful eye of hotel General Manager, Marc Dumur (Mark is Swiss but that's as near to being Irish as doesn't matter!). Another local "Honorary Irish" was Contact Travel's Alex Brodard (and his guides) who put the entire tour program together. It was a handsome effort, Alex, and enjoyed by all.

Practising finished, it was time to tackle Mae Ngud Reservoir (51 kms north of Chiangmai). And so the adventure took place on what was a grand day for kayak paddling. Kitted out with safety jackets, and with plenty of water bottles to hand, the team of 21 visually impaired kayakers, along with 9 support staff and Contact Travel's 10 Thai guides, the little armada set off across the wide expanse of water. Target "beachhead" was the ever popular Eakachai Float House accommodation. Fortunately the "boatel" manager, Khun Anand, speaks excellent English so there was never any confusion as to which was "Port" or "Starboard". The paddle finished with wonderful hospitality and kindness from Khun Anand and his Eakachai staff.

Another fundraising adventure completed on behalf of the National Council of the Blind in Ireland. Thanks to Eamon Duffy, Elaine Howell, Marc Dumur, Alex Brodard, Khun Anand and everyone who helped along the way. Come back to Chiangmai again Eamon (what will he think of next time?) Cead Mille Failte!

So there's a happy Irish story for you from Blazing Saddles to Blazing Paddles to BLAZING PADDYS if you recharge this glass I'll maybe tell you another tale ....