Well, nearly through the month of
January and time for an update on the old bloggie blog. January started with a
literal bang – massive firework display on Nai Yang
Beach, lanterns floating
into the sky, a very magical atmosphere indeed. That and great food – tiger
prawns to die for – and good company, oh, and loads of bubbly and 2008 was very
well seen in.
After a couple of days recovery
it was time to get to sea again, so we did a few trips out, just the two of us,
firstly to the Ko Ma Yai for lunch and then a long weekend around the north and
east bits of Phang Nga Bay – truly stunning scenery, and we went to places where
few boats go, (in fact, each time we anchored we were the only boat there) Ko
Chong Lat, Ko Phak Bia, Laem Taeng et al.
We seemed to manage all right
despite our combined inexperience so we decided to venture a bit further afield,
down to Langkawi and back. We took our time and spent three days getting down
there, via beautiful Maya Bay on Phi Phi Le, where they filmed The Beach (and
where we learned how not to pick a
mooring buoy in a big swell, but got it right after three attempts) and then
Taratau before pulling into Tenaga
Marina. And what a delightful place! Charming people, very quiet, easy
must, a ride to be experienced.
And good Arabic food to boot.
After a few days duty free
shopping – well, re-stocking the wine store – we pushed off back oop t’north
island by island, a nice 10-day trip, and no worries
in handling the boat a deux, even when we ran into a 25 knot + on the
beam between Ko Lanta and Krabi, and the second reef line snapped on its
first outing. Focused the mind a bit, especially when it then gusted over 35,
but Teddy was amazingly brave, considering that I was in a complete
funk! Hey ho, we reached shelter with everything reefed down and intact and
that's the main thing. We even managed to look like we knew what we were doing
when we took in the sails and anchored up. Thanks especially to Peter G’s sage
advice before we sailed ("Don't shout, take time to look, don't panic" etc) for
which I will be eternally grateful.
Back
into Yacht Haven for a few days and then the sea beckons again, this time to
more hong hunting by canoe, among other things, and 4 days gentle cruising round
Phang
Nga Bay. It’s so peaceful just the two of us
in beautiful bays. Now back in YHM again until Teddy goes back to
England and her beloved dogs and cat
and leaves me here alone (sob!) Can’t think how I’ll occupy my time………
Well, I do actually: getting boat
and crew fixed up for the Phang Nga Bay Regatta, for which like a fool I have
entered Arkouda, having never raced before. But, with friend Boo’s help, and
maybe No.1 son if he turns up, and
another couple of mates, we should have a good few days relaxed racing - as well
as a good few nights total debauchery!
And some pics, including, of
course, Sleeping
Teddy Bear Island (Ko Phanak)…..
