Spent Monday & Tuesday pottering around on the bikes, up towards central Samui hunting out the deal for a boat trip to Angthong national marine park!
Wednesday, up early to be picked up at 7:15am for the trip to Angthong, despite agreeing to be pick up at the international school, just down the road, as it’s easier to than find the villa. The driver still didn’t make it to the school, luckily another couple were also waiting and they got a call, the driver was further down the hill!
After 3 other stops at hotels to pick people up, the minibus head to the Nathon pier at the northwest of the island, to meet the boat. We’d chosen the big boat trip, rather than a speedboat, so there was about 40 people on the boat, so not too busy.
It was 1 1/2 hours to the first stop, quite a lumpy journey in places, some of our fellow passengers did not have their sea legs with them. There was a lot of them trying to sleep with heads on rucksacks on tables in front of them ! Our first stop was the highest of the islands for a trek to the summit, to see all the islands spread out before us. A steep trek, up mainly rocky steps, in the humidity and heat, tough going, but worth the climb! Nic made a tactical decision to stop at level 5 ( of 6) as the last bit of the climb was in full sun, and did not look as if it would improve the view by much! While Rog made the last climb Nic shared her water with an Austrian who had slipped and bashed an ankle on the last part of the climb. He was very grateful as he had to make it down again, in flip flops, before getting it strapped at the first aid tent !
After the descent we had bit of time on the beach, luckily there is always a little shop selling cool drinks which were very welcome. Then back to the big boat, by long tailed boat, for lunch, a good spread.
Then kayaking, a double kayak for us, around the coastline, between rocks, through a short tunnel/cave.
Another steep trek to see the emerald lake, This time up staircases, more like ladders! But again worth the effort. We rewarded ourselves with ice creams after this one.
Then back to the boat for the return trip, lots of fun watching people trying to make, and carry, hot drinks on a lumpy sea journey!
Thursday, another beach walk at the north end of Chaweng beach. Stopped for drink under the shade of a huge tree. A 5 star mango shake for Nic, some of them have been a little disappointing in the more touristy cafes! More shopping on the way home, had to go to 4 shops/ market stalls to get everything we wanted at a reasonable price.
Friday, the weather was predicted to be awful, but it turned out to be not so bad, so we had a massage on the local beach, for 300bht each (£7.20 each) for an hour.
Saturday, the weather was terrible, it did not stop raining all day.
Sunday was not much better, it rained most of the day! We know we are not going to get any sympathy for the bad weather !! At least it is still warm here.
Travurple 