Caught in a storm
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
5 July 2005
With a 6am wake up call, still half asleep we made our way to the Catamaran that very smoothly took us 65kms off the coast of Samui. After a couple of stops along the way at Koh Phangan (where the famous full moon parties are!) and Koh Tao (Turtle Island) we arrived near our destination. We then discovered that we were to be taken to the island that we were going to (not sure of the name but very close to Koh Tao) by Long Boat… shaped a bit like a Maori Waka, with an open motor at the back. We then had to clamber up on to the jetty which took us along to the main beach. This was very beautiful & just as we sat down on the deck chairs to take in our surroundings, a Thai man came up to us & said ‘2 seats, 100 baht’! We weren’t quite ready for settling in yet, so gave up our chairs & headed for the restaurant. After a very sea food orientated buffet lunch, (well, what can you expect really – fortunately there was one chicken dish!) we went snorkelling. It was my first time & I got a bit panicky, but after learning to breathe slowly Maarten took my hand & we saw the fishies… they were not shy in the slightest & it was quite hard for me to get used to having a couple of hundred fish just swarming around me! Beautiful though. After being in the water for about an hour we popped our heads up & realised there was a rather large storm brewing just off the coast… umbrellas were flying into the water & just a couple of minutes after we got out, they started everyone to get into shelter. Hmm! Even with the storm approaching, the main part of the island was relatively sheltered, so we walked up the very steep track to the peak. It was not sheltered at the peak!! More stunning views though, well worth the hike, & by the stage we were about to leave the island.
When we got back down the jetty we were relieved to see that the Catamaran for the other company had come right to the jetty to pick them up, so figured ours would be right behind it… but no, we got back on the long boats to make the perilous journey back to the boat! Although we were in sheltered seas, the swell was still more than would be thought dangerous in NZ. But how much fun was it?! We loved it.
This is how they get on and off the boats - note that we are moored to two other boats! and you just have to climb through each boat. everyone helps out, whether they are with the ferry company or not.
On the Wharf
To the Beach
Looking in the distance we saw the other cat pass the heads, only to be engulfed by the first wave that it came across. Not the best sight to see just as we were getting on to our smaller cat… and without even a hint of warning we were full speed round the heads & we went flying in the boat. Needless to say, we are thrill seekers & decided to go up on the top deck. This would sooo not be allowed in NZ!!! However, although it was a wetter ride (the sea spray kept drenching us) it was actually a smoother ride than inside, where most people were going a little green…..
Maarty at the top of the island
The Island - From Above.
After the 2 hour journey back, we went to one of the time share manager’s houses for a BBQ dinner. We dried out quickly & had a lovely time.
Sarah on the boat
Diving Boat
posted by Maarty @ 8:46 pm,
