Footprints and Sailing

Australia Round 2

mizzsunshine2 — Tue, 2 Jul 2013 07:57:00 GMT

Rather an interesting start just getting to Aus this time around. It was good and bad but just different. I was not worried about spending money for a start. Still have to be careful but I am going to enjoy myself and not worry so much. More to come....

last day of Sydney adventure

mizzsunshine2 — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:53:00 GMT

Well I have visited Tazmania - met relatives who I have never met before...........Tazmania is way too lovely - so have to go back there and see the rest of it!

Have been on a boat, climbed Sydney harbour bridge - awesome! Took a ride on the big red bus - paddled at Bondi Beach........chilly toes!

Manly is just idyllic - Sydney at night is even better than during the day! Another reason to visit again.....just not enough time to see this wonderful place......my hosts, Peter and Judy have looked after me very well - their house has been under renovation - it is state of the art and is nearly completed - so in between workmen they have shown me loads. Berry is so quaint and the Highlands so green and lush - Pete and Jude's farm - was an education - I now know more about coos, sheep and pigs than I ever did before....I thank them wholeheartedly.

So now the end is near..........I face the final journey.........back to dear old Dubai where another exciting school year awaits........my flat has still to be painted!! Ah well - inshallah........

I have had a fantastic time in Oz - would recommend it - so much to see and do.......and there is waterways everywhere - BRILLIANT!

I now sign off from the Land Down Under.......and await the next adventure......

Thank you amigos for the first leg in Thailand...........

Next Blog .........well....it's only three and a half weeks till Majorca....and a wee family wedding to attend....

:-)

sydney

mizzsunshine2 — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 23:44:00 GMT

Arrived safely in Sydney and to be whisked off the next day to Berry scene of Robbie's pageant...........Robbie is Matt and Kristy's son.........who is 6///////what a star - in the teddy bear's picnic!!

The coastline from Yowie Bay to Berry is stunning - mainly due to the windy conditions whipping up the waves - some loonies out their surf boards think they can perform? forget it - way to choppy! Exploring all the wee suburbs is intruiging - how they can turn a wee hoose into a mansion - think Dr Who - tardis!!!haha

Anyway it is Thursday - and we had Pete's smoked salmon for dinner - home made of course - plus all the Margaret River wine.........bra marvellous.......

Off to get ready for Tazmania.......a baby shower awaits...........sorry for no pics - but have no wires to link up camera..........boohoo...

Perth trip

mizzsunshine2 — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:06:00 GMT

Well - Perth is the cleanest city I have ever been in - and the surrounding area.......so clean - probably because you don't see anybody out on the streets - day or night!!

The wine tasting was brilliant - of course a few purchases were made - packed and ready to take to Sydney to share with Peter and Judy!

We took in a lighthouse tour - I never knew the light went round on a bed of mercury that left the lighthouse keepers going mad......must've been some sights looking out over the Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean on a stormy night..........

The cave was an interesting insight into stalactites and stalagmites - my only knowledge beforehand was tights come down and mites grow up - but now I have been enlightened....

Margaret River pubs are fine - The Settlers pub band was way too young and noisy - the young lad had a good enough voice but we couldnae hear the words - boom boom boom!! must be getting old methinks!!!

Fremantle is a beautiful place - full of yachts and boats and chip shops - yum....Snapper supper for two was the order of the day.........tasted very like cod - would have that again....

Rob and Sheelagh have some noisy neighbours who think it is acceptable to rev up their motorbike at 11.30pm when the rest of us are trying to sleep - glasgow kiss required for them......if only.....haha.....

So it is off to sunny Sydney today - all bags packed - have treated myself to a new fangled holdhall on wheels.......ready to be filled to the 30kgs required for the journey to Dubai on the 31st August...but before that - a trip to Tazmania on Saturday with Pete and Jude - awesome........

Perth Australia

mizzsunshine2 — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:50:00 GMT

What a lovely clean city - have only seen one piece of rubbish so far littering the streets...........my hosts Rob and Sheelagh live in a quaint wee house in Penguin Road, Rockingham.......and they have been great tour guides - we went up a hill to see a view of the city- the parkland is gorgeous......however Sheelagh tells me it is not as green as this in summer. The temperature is around 20 degrees - not what my sunny bones are used to - but very pleasant all the same!

We went on a boat trip down the swan river to Fremantle which was brilliant - lots of yacht marinas on the way - and on the way back - we were graced with the presence of a whole heap of dolphins following the boat. How nice was that!!

Rob and Sheelagh had another treat in store for me - a dinner at the C Restaurant on the 33rd floor - and it revolved......my head was proper spinning.......and the views at night - awesome!!

Today we are getting ready for our road trip to the Margaret River area = wine, wine, wine tasting.......no comments please......The cats Neeps and Tatties have been punted to the cattery - they are so funny - into everything!!

So my next instalment will be after a few days of wine tasting - sorry liver......in advance.

Joycee

Photos: some more

mizzsunshine2 — Sun, 7 Aug 2011 10:04:00 GMT

day 31 till the end of the sailing trip!

mizzsunshine2 — Sun, 7 Aug 2011 10:02:00 GMT

Day 31 – Sunday 31^st July

Early rise, water tank filled and off we set for Phuket at 9 am. A fine calm day but very little wind for sailing;…..However….that did change and we had a good 3-4 hours under sail – edging the boats to a speed of over 6 knots – now that what sailing is all about….we made great headway and arrived at Ko Taphao Yai – which turned out to be the main shipping port…………no chance of getting near a jetty – so we tucked in behind the island and rocked and rolled all night!! There was a smell of diesel and it had got into the bilges – so after a phone call to the marina, it was decided we get a new boat tomorrow…a Bavaria 37.

Day 32 – Monday 1^st August

After a near sleepless night, we set off up the coast heading to meet the new yacht at the mouth of the river – the entrance for royal Phuket Marina – the thought of the comfort of a marina is very appealing right now! We anchored off a small island to get our gear into bags then met our new yacht ‘Lolita” at the mouth of the estuary. She doesn’t smell of diesel – hurrah!!!

After seeing the instruments and length of her, we decided not to venture up the tricky channel into the marina – but instead found an anchorage at Ao Po – full of ferry boats! We lay down anchor just outside the mooring buoys – wrong move obviously – we had to move her because of the ferry traffic wanting to moor up for the night………..so another night of very little sleep!! In between all of this, we went into Phuket town to get supplies and organize a visa run for Y… which means a 5am start for her to meet the bus for Penang!

Day 33 – Tuesday 2^nd August

Undaunted by the 5am start – Y never slept anyway for fear of a ferry boat landing on our bow or stern – we set off in the dinghy to drop her off at the end of the pier – we attempted to get on to the outside pier but it would have meant a ‘climb’ up of about 3 metres – even Y doesn’t have that long legs!! So we motored in closer – until to find ourselves aground as the tide was rapidly coming out1 Y leapt out the boat and pushed the dinghy off, with J frantically rowing with all her might to get back into deeper water!! A phone call later revealed that Y had cut her feet on the rocks wading in – at least up to waist level! – a wet journey to Penang ensued for her! J meanwhile,after a sprint row to avoid the rocks, got the engine going and went back on board ‘Lolita” for a sleep!! – and a lazy day, hopefully!

Day 34 – Wednesday 3^rd August

The day started pondering where to go on the last leg of the sailing adventure, deciding to go to Koh Yaka Noi for a swim then round to Koh Naka Yai to anchor off the beach. Once organized we noticed we we were caught up in a mooring………….soon to be caught up with another boat…………..aaargh! Some damage to Lolita later…………we set off to Koh Naka Noi…….reflecting how on earth we managed to damage a hand rail stanchion……….. We decided not to drop anchor there, instead going round to a more sheltered Koh Naka Yai – which turned out to be the most peaceful anchorage on all our travels….apart from the hoardes of tourists who rocked up in their speed boats, and canoe ferries to spend some time on a beautiful beach backed by two bars and fruit stalls, along with the customary ice cream vendors. We, of course dinghyed over and joined in, relaxing in one of the many deck chairs strewn along the beach. After a while, we strolled along the beach and followed a path towards an abandoned resort – Y took the lead up the hill and suddenly from the undergrowth there was a rustle of grass and leaves and out shot a lizard the size of a small crocodile, approx 6 ft long! There turned out to be two of them, but only one dared to run off and scampered down the narrow road….unfortunately we couldn’t get the camera out quick enough to capture this lizard hurtling away from us………..thank goodness it wasn’t charging towards us!!

As the tourists left, we had a drink, Y with a pina colada(made in a coconut shell) and J – a refreshing singha – we got a carry out of two beers, a pineapple, two bananas and two bottles of water – supplies beginning to run down quickly.

Once back at the boat, time for swimming off the back and chillout.

Day 35 – Thursday 4^th August

An early morning exercise swim at the beach before the tourists arrived prompted us to have an explore further up the coast in the dinghy. Koh Naka Yai has three beaches – the Northern one turned out to be a wee treasure trove – a beautiful resort – a tented village – well - tents which were one massive big room with ensuite facilities – very simple but spacious, fully covered with thatch and on stilts! They do meals and have a massage suite too. So lunch provided us with a nice mixture of pad thai curry and a burger and crisps! No wonder it is called ‘Secrets’.

Day 36 – Friday 5^th August

The anchorage was like a mill pond – so relaxing and calm – it didn’t seem as if the boat had moved all night! So another day of exploring – we took the dinghy right round the island – and visited the small village round the other side. This turned out to be a very interesting place, it had a school and a mosque and houses scattered along a makeshift road lined with electricity poles – they looked the height of a greeny pole – supporting sagging lines – how they transferred energy – who knows?

We tried to engage a few of the locals in conversation, asking if they sold bread – but to no avail. It really highlights how difficult communication can be without knowledge of a particular language. The sum of our Thai is Sawadeeka – Hello……………and Koopenka – thank you…….so you can imagine the sign language that went to portray our wishes…………..not a chance! We did buy two coca colas and sat with the shopkeeper trying to share some common ground – she did understand that we came from Scotland and the cat that was under our feet was a pest! We left the village empty handed and proceeded round the island to the southern beach – to have a snorkel – but not much sea life to be had.

Lunch/dinner at Secrets was just lovely and that satisfied our hunger until the next day. J had another go at fishing but the fish here are not daft – they didn’t bite at the bait – a silver piece of tin foil with a bit of apple to entice some unsuspecting salmon! Or whatever fish are in these waters…………..we do get thousands of little fish swim behind the boat when the tide runs in or out – the current is strong enough to drag you away………..indeed a swim round the boat is nearly quite impossible as you swim one way without going very far!!

The evening was spent listening to music – since we had no neighbours sharing our spot!

Day 37 – Saturday 6^th August

After a lazy start to the day – an early morning dip –it was time to get ready to head back to Yacht Haven marina in the north of Phuket – to return the boat and find out what we would have to pay for the damage. The passage back to the marina was pleasant but windy and we arrived mid afternoon. The cost of the damage was reasonable and despite several apologies, the marina manager – a german – told us not to worry – as someone had hit a rock the other week and put a hole in the hull………….

We had a stroll around the marina, found the swimming pool and restaurant then returned to the boat for our last night on the water!

Day 38 – Sunday 7^th August

The end of the sailing adventure – on to a spa resort for three nights then the two amigos set off on their own journeys – Y to a yoga/meditation retreat for a week to prepare her for going back to Scotland to the cold and wet – wonder if she will be able to wander around in tshirts and shorts from morning till night in sunny Tealing? And J – well – she is off to see her pal Sheelagh in Perth Australia for a week then two weeks with Peter and Judy in Sydney – before returning the sand pit on 31^st August!!

It has been a great adventure – and Thailand is beautiful – glad we had a yacht to see some places that we wouldn’t have normally seen if we did the ‘touristy’ stuff!!!!

Photos: day 19 onwards - day 30 I think!!

mizzsunshine2 — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:51:00 GMT

Photos: Islands, Krabi, cooking

mizzsunshine2 — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:17:00 GMT

Day 20 to 30 -Up to date at last!

mizzsunshine2 — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 01:14:00 GMT

Day 20 –Wed 20^th July

We set off for Koh Lanta on a bonny day – decided to stop off at KO MO for a snorkel – a tiny island which we circled to find the best spot….beautiful clear water and fish spotted from boat – no need to snorkel – however we did…………….came out of the water tingling with jellyfish stings…………couldn’t see the blighters but they were there!!!

Anchor up and off to Koh Lanta – arrived at anchorage around 6pm and put down anchor just off the jetty of Lanta old town……..

Day 21 – Thursday 21^st July

Spent a comfortable night on the anchor and went into the old town and hired a motorbike – the biker chicks are in town…………………great way to see this small island – the lunch at the pier on the north side was lovely – food so cheap here - the restaurants are very plain – no fancy seats – garden furniture – but the food is so fresh – especially the seafood! We tried to find Leonardo Di Caprios house but was nowhere to be found……..but we happened upon a resort that looked as if it had stepped out of the sixties! It had tarzan tree houses for accommodation as well as lodges overlooking the sea……looked as if someone had gone DIY mad with old driftwood!! Needless to say it was desserted with only the manager sweeping up things…………we stayed for a coca cola and left!! The sea gyspy community still have a village by the sea – quaint wee houses on stilts………..a very good day indeed….we booked up for a dive to Ko Ha tomorrow.

Day 22 – Friday 22^nd July

We dinghyed into the jetty to be picked up by dive boat along with others. The dive was brilliant – so clear waters….we saw lots of unusual fish.. even the favourite clown fish and Y saw a seahorse! Pics to follow!!! Blue Planet instructors needed a medal to get J to stop floating to the surface!! Nevertheless a good day out – weather changed on second dive and we came up in a sea swell……..

Day 23 – Saturday 23^rd July

The rain was relentless today………….non stop………….we did move the boat out the channel a bit as it was bobbing round like cork…………so it was pretty much a pj day – reading and sleeping!

Day 24 – Sunday 24^th July

Decided to set sail for Krabi – weather fairly settled but when we got out into the open sea………well …….it was like the rocky road to thon place………..so – about turn and go back into the shelter of the channel…………….good plan as we discovered the Beautyful restaurant, Muslim run – with beer!! Classic meal – the food only gets better everywhere we go.

Day 25 – Monday 25^th July

Once again we set off for Krabi – the sea had settled down and the weather was fair……we did seem to escape a few nasty nimbus clouds lurking behind us…………we were going great guns until the engine decided it wasnae playing! Y went underneath to check the prop was not snagged after passing a fishing pot area…we topped up with fuel – though the guage read half…….we bobbed about a bit until we checked the throttle line and oil etc……….called the Elite office who told us to bleed the engine!! Happy dayz!! After all that we got the sails up and sailed to the buoy where we were meant to meet the Krabi marina boys who would escort us in to the marina as the river channel is very shallow – didn’t want to go aground! Anyway that didn’t happen as we needed to find shelter for the night as it was getting on a bit……….after many phone conversations with Krabi man, Wijita, we finally anchored off Ko Poda, under the cover of darkness………..we threw down two anchors as we weren’t sure what was under us – rock or sand…….

Day 26 – Tuesday 26^th July

We woke up to beautiful sunny weather and news that the engineers were to come and look at the engine…we decided to explore Ko Poda……………if you know the theme to Robinson Crusoe…………sing it now…………as this island is just idyllic – even with a restaurant on it and bungalows you can rent! We walked all around the beach of white sand……had a coffee at the café………..and settled down for a wee sunbathe until the engineers came………..peace perfect peace………….not for long though…….longtails and speed boats arrived in droves dropping off tourists for the day – many with picnics…even longtail boats brought ice cream vendors!!! Time to get back to the boat!! The engineers thought the fuel line wasn’t long enough to get fuel to the engine………..they changed the fuel filter, tested the engine – though we thought it still didn’t sound right……..not to worry – off to Krabi we went following the Krabi marina boat to guide us in…………after about 15 minutes……….yes you’ve guessed – the enging decided to lose power again…………

Once in Krabi, we phoned Ulrich – the Elite manager to ask his advice…..which was fill her up with fuel to the brim………..time for a g and t……………and some thai whisky – courtesy of the marina staff! Have you ever heard of whisky and soda??

Day 27 – Wednesday 27^th July

Went to immigration to get Y a visa – no joy – so a visa run is imminent…explored the streets of Krabi – very quaint – the only big department store is Vogue…………reminded us of Lamcy Plaza – but we did have a KFC for lunch – saddos!

Day 28 – Thursday 28^th July

Hired a motor bike and went to temple Seau – another Buddhist monastery but with a Buddha at the top of 1237 steps! Did we climb them? Yes we did!! And the view was magnificent!! Our legs ached but hey it was worth it!

Then we took the bike to see round the coast at Ao Nang – dodging very heavy rain showers! Returned to Krabi and had a few beers.

Day 29 – Friday 29^th July

Another adventure on our hired putt putt – this time to the hot springs – not that we had a map with us to find it……….we arrived in heavy rain- but sitting in a hot spring at 41 degrees in the pouring rain was appealing………..so it was – and also a fish tank of fishies eating away at our feet- very relaxing. We swam in the mineral pool as the rain stotted off the water, the roar of thunder crashed in our lugs……..very therapeutic!!! We even got a shower after it………….then we went to Krabi walking market which was entertaining – we bought some more stuff –and oh……before I forget – Y sent home yet another box of items she has purchased………..

Day 30 – Saturday 30^th July

Booked ourselves into The Krabi school of Thai cooking for the afternoon – brilliant stuff – finding out how to conjure up Thai dishes – the spring rolls were very delicious! Stuffed our faces with the food we produced – even got a cookery book! So watch out folks – thai food could be on the menu!!

We made the decision to travel to Phuket tomorrow so filled the tank with diesel – did the engine checks, so all ready for the sail…………time for a beer…………and put this on the blog!

Photos: island hopping

mizzsunshine2 — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 23:05:00 GMT

pics from around the islands and krabi

DAY 14 - 19

mizzsunshine2 — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 01:06:00 GMT

Day 14 – continued…………..

After the downpour, we got on our glad rags……..and set off for a birthday tea at the six senses resort………..heaven and earth!! We sipped at cocktails before an interesting meal accompanied by special water………..very special ! it cost an arm and a leg (only joking)! We dinghyed back to the boat and spent a good night on anchor – calm conditions prevailed.

Day 15 – Friday 15^th July

We set off for another anchorage on Koh Yao Noi – had a very nice lunch at a seafood restaurant before the heavens opened – we stayed there for cover then went for a walk around the island-looking for shops!!! We walked ages then a man stopped and gave us a lift – he even waited for us – two hours later and bags filled with goodies…………

Joyce lost another pair of glasses!!in the sea –alas she is on her scratched old pair!!

We settled down for the night and were fairly comfortable until the noisiest party boat decided to park itself close by…………K and J woken up by the din………….Y slept through the lot!!

Day 16 – Saturday 16^th July

Two amigos totally wacked------------were greeted with a bright eyed person eager to set sail……….this we did – and the weather allowed us to go the direct route to Phi Phi Islands…………did get the sails up for a bit but dodging fishing pots and sailing don’t really mix on our hols – so we motored in to a beautiful bay – full of boats. Found a mooring and tied up – into Ban Ton Soi loaded with laundry and rubbish bags for a nice meal and bimble.

Day 17 – Sunday 17^th July

Yet another sleepless night as the mooring buoy kept tapping the side of the boat…..this is getting a habit! Also the manual bilge pump was broken so the water we had collected en route was swilling about..unperturbed….we took the boat round part of the island and spent a lazy Sunday afternoon snorkeling, swimming and reading. Y took the dinghy for a jaunt to a nearby resort to find the place deserted – low season here! We also filled the tanks with much needed water….on return, moved to another mooring.

Day 18 – Monday 18^th July

Took a long tail boat to Phi Phi Lae – fantastic snorkeling – a pity there were so many tourists at the AO Mayo beach – where the ‘Beach’ was filmed…………otherwise a fantastic day out – and many fish spotting done…we went into town for a meal – this turned out to be a great adventure! First we were ‘landed’ by a fisherman who thought his luck was in – visions of a shark at the end of his hook! Alas it was only us – after being cut loose we got into the beach…………put the dinghy on to its anchor (just in case) and went off for a meal at a seafood place. All went well until we came back to the dinghy – trying to get into it when the tide is in is nigh impossible! So much so that a powerful speedboat came to our rescue and towed us back to the yacht! Enough adventure for one day we thought – and off to bed for all after a good few gins! The excitement wasn’t over yet though – as the mooring we were on decided to move itself!! So once more – sleep?- well very little!!

Day 19 – Tuesday 19^th July

We said our farewells to Kirsty today – as she left us to go to Dubai then on to England – am sure she’ll miss the sleepless nights!!

J and Y moved the boat onto the anchor and all seemed secure until night time when the wind got up and swirled us around like a cork! We moved the boat as we were concerned for a wee fishing boat nearby!

days 11-14

mizzsunshine2 — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 10:35:00 GMT

Day 11 – Mon 11th July – we all slept well on Fei Mao – and woke up to a clearish day ready for our first adventure. We got briefed about the charts and where to anchor etc before setting sail to our first stop Ko Phanak. We came out under engine and conditions were windy – once out of the shallow channel – we put up the sails and had a play about with them to get used to them. Once at Ko Phanak, we sheltered on the east of the island, had a lovely chicken salad for dinner and settled for the night. It was a beautiful spot under limestone cliffs – but the water was a bit murky due to a clay sea bed. Day 12 – Tuesday 12th July We woke up early (in the middle of the night) and had hot chocolate as we were concerned about being too close to the rocks – however we had lots of depth. In the morning some fishermen came and sold us a big pot of fresh prawns – they were huge – and very cheap! Y cooked them and we had some …we then explored the ‘hong’ Thai word for ‘room’ where you go through caves into a lagoon – however we could not go through cos the dinghy was too big! There were people there being taken through by canoes – but we did not take any money with us – so it was back to the yacht and off to our next stopover place, Koh Hong. As we approached, the heavens opened and we couldn’t see the instruments – deffo need wind screen wipers on our specs!! We managed to find a spot near steep cliffs and anchored off – soaked! Drookit! Drenched! Any adjective you wish to describe a good drenching – please use it – that was us! The weather changes very quickly here and soakings are a feature of every day! Once the rain cleared, we explored another lagoon and got through a small cave into one of the lagoons – it was like Paddy’s market with tourists in little inflatable kayaks rowed by Thai tour guides. Again the rain poured – more like hailstones and hurt your back! We took shelter under some rocks until it passed then decided to row back to the boat for some exercise – J and K were the paddlers – but of course – never kept in sync so ended up birling round and round a few times! Once on the boat, we had pasta mince and fresh prawn cocktail –( a sauce of mayo and tomato paste did the trick!) and settled for the night………only to be awoken at 11.30pm by Y chasing a mosquito round the room………we all spent the next four hours exterminating little buzzers who had already had their supper of our blood!! Kirsty was champion buzzer buster…………once we were convinced we couldn’t hear any more buzzing, we managed a few hours sleep!! Day 13 – Wednesday 13th July We all woke up bleary eyed and decided to set sail for the James Bond Island – we anchored off a small island Koh Yang which was the closest we could get to the James Bond island – via dinghy because of the shallow water around it. The dinghy ride over was pleasant and the island was already busy with tourists – a quaint bit in the middle hosts a mini market of trinkets, shells and touristy items. We had ice cream and ice lollies for breakfast! A monsoon type wind then got up and the rain descended – again, so we took shelter behind the ice cream kiosk until it blew over. Once we were happy it had passed, we got into the dinghy and got back to the yacht asap. A snack followed – then it was off to our next port of call, Koh Yao Noi. We anchored off the Paradise Resort and spa – looked lovely – at a place called Ao Muang. We anchored fairly far out because other yachties were in closer, and we were in the middle of another rain storm – it had been chasing us since the James Bond Island! So it was time for finishing off our previous day’s dinner of pasta and prawns, followed by beer and gin o’clock – we reckon gin and tonic will prevent any mozzies chomping away at us………..this turned out not to be the case as Y thought she was being eaten alive! J and K were oblivious to this – crashed out in the main cabin…..of course we were all awoken – yet another night of disturbed sleep. Day 14 - Thursday 14th July An early morning swim was in order after we had been up during the night – the early morning sunshine awaking us at around 7.30am……Y swam to a pontoon that was used for the hotel guests, J and K stayed on board and prepared a wee birthday breakfast for Y………..51 again she tells us…………eh right!! We made a cake out of jam and bread which we presented to her on her return from the swim…she was very much appreciative of her cake, which she duly shared……….and her gifts of two t-shirts,( a tuk tuk one and a vespa one), a reclining buddha necklace and little card telling you what day each Buddha represents. Her birthday card was in Thai and appropriately had a turtle on it! We then explored the Pradise resort – in the rain – of course….had a coffee there – before heading back to the yacht. We set off for our next stop, down the island a bit – where the Six Senses six star resort and Koh Yao resort are……..we anchored off the Koh Yao resort as we planned to have a birthday dinner at one of them. The weather was bright so a swim off the back of the yacht was in order for all of us…….Y was in first, and as the rain started, K and J ventured in…………K getting out fairly quickly as the rain battered off our skin! She was then the goaffer as Y and J decided to wash their hair in the sea – very refreshing indeed – a much needed wash! At time of writing, the rain has been pouring down for two and a half hours – these monsoon downpours fairly go on forever! Just as well the boat is water tight! Time for an afternoon nap!!!

Photos: Luxury Hotel and Lots of Dancing......

mizzsunshine2 — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:02:00 GMT

Lots of dancing and pillow fights

Photos: Loading the Yacht

mizzsunshine2 — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 22:55:00 GMT

Loading the Yacht

mizzsunshine2 — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 21:14:00 GMT

We woke up to Dolly Parton....Working 9-5..perfect way to start the day....Joyce and I did some exercise and stretches on the bed, Yolanda was already catching up with her emails... Yolanda went for a swim in the pool. Breakfast..odd combination for us again...fried noodle, Fried Eggs etc. Unfortunately it was all cold but it was ok with the toast, putting the eggs on the hot bread. On our way in...who should i spot but the two spoilt little brats, bad mouthing and shouting at 11.30pm last night and making a commotion in the pool... so...harsh words, firm tones, pointed fingers and glaring scary ms kirsty eyes were exchanged...on my part at least....hahah, We got a driver to the local cash and carry where we stocked up on beers, gin and wine and og course some veg for the 10day island tour woop woop...we couldnt get it all in the local cheap shop so ended up popping in to the Tesco for the bread etc. The local one was rough....a dead eel on the floor, blood puddles, chickens with eyes, claws and feet, stinky fish, millions of types of crabs etc all alive..for the moment..it stunk...hahhah, and the storage etc was random but it was an adventure.... We drove to phuket marina, and landed the yacht...lots of space and electronics for everything...its beautiful! Tomorrow will leave here, pray for good weather, begin meditation sessions and island hop as long as the good weather holds out......watch this space.....

day 9 - chill out by the pool

mizzsunshine2 — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 10:36:00 GMT

Day 9 started with a Thai breakfast - combo of rice, noodles and curry...............Y feeling the effects of the night before plenty OJ for her! We pottered by the pool with an odd excursion to the beach pretty much for the whole day about in the hotel. The pools and the resort were beautiful and there were so few people it was relaxing. There was no noise, no pervs or ppl trying to pursuade us to buy thngs. The beach was dead close to the resort a 3 min walk. Y had aspirations of going on a scooter, K had a go on one. Yes and I was rather unsuccessful, in fact I was rather rubbish but it was my first time...and it was surprisingly heavy. I needed a bit more practise in a larger area for turning. IT was dead weird as the breaks were behind the revs, so when you tried to break you revingt first...hahaha, a new skill I have to learn clearly! Im going to give it a go on an Island and have a proper wizz.....instead of the 'Long way down, Long way round By any Means, Right to the Edge' etc with Charlie Boorman it will be 'Greenwell on a bike on an Island the slow way to falling off' hahahahahah I was torn between giving it a go on a quiet island to get used to riding and chilling in luxury. It was decided that we would wait and do that on one of the smaller islands. So a lazy day was the order of the day finished off with a steak in the restaurant . 50%off food all day and between 5-7 50% off all drinks excluding wine....hmmmm cocktails...Grass Hopper...yum yum yum 11.30pm - amigos awoken (well K +Y did, J slept through it all) by screaming kids in the pool............K did the biz and shouted down from the balcon! I was not happy!!!! grrrrrrrrr.........

Day 8 - arrive in Phuket

mizzsunshine2 — Sat, 9 Jul 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Day 8 – arrive in Phuket We had two fairly short flights each with a snack so we weren’t hungry at all when we arrived. We had booked a private car to pick us up at the airport – there was a wee man with our name on it………..and so we jumped into our Mercedes – piling the entire luggage in the boot! The driver spoke zero English so it was a one way conversation for J in the front. We are staying in the North of the Island and it looked as if we were the sole occupants in the hotel we are in – The Piraya………..and with the staff not understanding English, communication has been the only problem so far. We went down and sat on the beach and swam in the waves – very strong around here at this time of year apparently. The sand is very course – great for exfoliating the feet – oops whole body – as you cannot escape the water without dredging out a kilo of stones with you! We then watched the sunset at the bar and waited for our drinks – it was happy hour after all – for fifteen minutes. Payment of drinks had to be calculated carefully because the staff had to be reminded about the happy hour prices! At reception on arrival we were told wine was included in the 50% deal – but that turned out not to be the case – so we negotiated a 20% reduction! I guess we will have to watch.. We bumbled (a stroll – for the peeps out there who are not from Somerset) back to our room, where a cup of tea was in order and listen to music……so we thought – Y – who had had one pina colada too many was in a dancing mood – so we all boogied – well neerees – Y and K had a pillow fight! Just as well there is one sensible member in this tour group –haha – tongue in cheek! During the night we were interrupted by the wheelie of trolleys as half of China descended upon us – well at least we won’t be the only ones here for day 9.

Day 7 - we all go off in different directions

mizzsunshine2 — Fri, 8 Jul 2011 09:38:00 GMT

An early start for Kirsty who went off to find out how to train elephants - a big bull elephant was under her command and she dealt with him admirably! K showed off her skills when we all met up at night - with different noises for different commands and how to use your legs to squeeze the elephant to go right or left etc. She also had to mount the elephants - sit on its head, go on by its trunk and also got the chance to swim with them...........well done Kirsty - our budding elephant trainer! Yes this was a fun day, although the one I really wanted to go on was an Elephant sanctury, where you see them, eating if they want, bathing, walking, totally free within the park. I tried to book it and the tour guide said No there will be loads of spaces book it later...I went back..were there any spaces...No...some Tour Guide!! to She told me the one I chose to do was the same they were free to roam and we would learn how to care for them etc, not true, they were chained and in the sun. But learning about how to ride them and approach them and wash them was great. Joyce went off with Amanda and Cat to do a variety of things - butterfly farm, elephant ride, swim in a waterfall, white water rafting(turned out to be brown water) and a bamboo raft ride. A great day had by all and the two hour trek to and from the waterfall was very interesting finding out about some local plants! 'Can you smoke that one?' had to be the quote of the day about a plant that was used to stop you bleeding!! Yolanda went off to do a two hour yoga session which she found very interesting - different from what she was usead to before - being shown how to wrap your legs in some unusual positions............she also bought more stuff and managed to get her box of goodies sent off at the post office- a very relaxing day for her. We all met up at night and went for a meal - the starter was enough to finish us off but we persevered! K was hyper after 3 coca colas and wanted to boogie the night away- too much energy that girl..........anyway we retired to the MD house and packed for the next leg of our journey to Phuket.......bring it on...........

Day 7 - we all go off in different directions

mizzsunshine2 — Fri, 8 Jul 2011 09:38:00 GMT

An early start for Kirsty who went off to find out how to train elephants - a big bull elephant was under her command and she dealt with him admirably! K showed off her skills when we all met up at night - with different noises for different commands and how to use your legs to squeeze the elephant to go right or left etc. She also had to mount the elephants - sit on its head, go on by its trunk and also got the chance to swim with them...........well done Kirsty - our budding elephant trainer! Joyce went off with Amanda and Cat to do a variety of things - butterfly farm, elephant ride, swim in a waterfall, white water rafting(turned out to be brown water) and a bamboo raft ride. A great day had by all and the two hour trek to and from the waterfall was very interesting finding out about some local plants! 'Can you smoke that one?' had to be the quote of the day about a plant that was used to stop you bleeding!! Yolanda went off to do a two hour yoga session which she found very interesting - different from what she was usead to before - being shown how to wrap your legs in some unusual positions............she also bought more stuff and managed to get her box of goodies sent off at the post office- a very relaxing day for her. We all met up at night and went for a meal - the starter was enough to finish us off but we persevered! K was hyper after 3 coca colas and wanted to boogie the night away- too much energy that girl..........anyway we retired to the MD house and packed for the next leg of our journey to Phuket.......bring it on...........