The famed beaches of Southern Thailand are justly famed. Sensational.
Transportation is primarily by water taxis, these wooden boats with old car motors bolted on a swivel and a six foot pole for the prop, hence their common name "long tail".
You've gotta expect that an engine block pulled out of an '83 Nissan pick-up flying around in the salt air is going to need some occasional maintenance. Usually this was performed at the actual time of breakdown, floating in the ocean somewhere, but this fellow decided to do it in port.
Captain, our landlord and guide for the first few days on Ko Phi Phi, was a true man of the sea. He slept in his hammock on the beach, and spent the day ferrying people and goods. His boat was a study in Macgyvered ingenuity and efficient material re-use.
John and I collecting salt, practicing being old.
There was stellar snorkeling right off the beach. Captain also took us to some reefs out a ways. Saw lots of incredible coral, also still evident tsunami damage and bleaching as well. Swam along with some big (1 meter +) reef sharks and leopard sharks. Interesting that when a big shark turns and swims towards you it doesn't matter how fully your mind understands there is zero danger, it still kicks in an adrenaline shot and flight instinct.
Some scenery. Really just an incredibly beautiful place. Also, warm. (see last post)
Good advice.
Hanging out, feigning innocence.
An uneasy coexistence.
The bay at Tonsai on Phi Phi. In some beautiful future the
Captain Curran's Alize will be here among the yachts...
... and he will look an awful lot like this guy.
This is an awesome utility side car, but the picture I really wanted was the 14 kids riding around on it. It was being driven by committee, with 3 nine year olds grabbing at the handlebars and wrestling for prime steering position, while the rest shouted and pointed in various directions.
Railay beach is an internationally famous climbing destination, and rightfully so. Incredible features, super steep, and mostly above my grade unfortunately. But I did get on several walls and was inspired (once again) to get in shape, but (of course) for real this time. Watching some of the best climbers in the world navigate impossible 5.14 roofs with slow and steady grace was something to see.
Of course, the thesis was always close on our heels, and in the afternoon heat we would often retreat to our office for banana shakes and intensely productive meetings.
Here's something you don't see every day...
The famed beaches of Southern Thailand are justly famed. Sensational.
Transportation is primarily by water taxis, these wooden boats with old car motors bolted on a swivel and a six foot pole for the prop, hence their common name "long tail".
You've gotta expect that an engine block pulled out of an '83 Nissan pick-up flying around in the salt air is going to need some occasional maintenance. Usually this was performed at the actual time of breakdown, floating in the ocean somewhere, but this fellow decided to do it in port.
Captain, our landlord and guide for the first few days on Ko Phi Phi, was a true man of the sea. He slept in his hammock on the beach, and spent the day ferrying people and goods. His boat was a study in Macgyvered ingenuity and efficient material re-use.
John and I collecting salt, practicing being old.
There was stellar snorkeling right off the beach. Captain also took us to some reefs out a ways. Saw lots of incredible coral, also still evident tsunami damage and bleaching as well. Swam along with some big (1 meter +) reef sharks and leopard sharks. Interesting that when a big shark turns and swims towards you it doesn't matter how fully your mind understands there is zero danger, it still kicks in an adrenaline shot and flight instinct.
Some scenery. Really just an incredibly beautiful place. Also, warm. (see last post)
Good advice.
Hanging out, feigning innocence.
An uneasy coexistence.
The bay at Tonsai on Phi Phi. In some beautiful future the Captain Curran's Alize will be here among the yachts...
... and he will look an awful lot like this guy.
This is an awesome utility side car, but the picture I really wanted was the 14 kids riding around on it. It was being driven by committee, with 3 nine year olds grabbing at the handlebars and wrestling for prime steering position, while the rest shouted and pointed in various directions. 
Railay beach is an internationally famous climbing destination, and rightfully so. Incredible features, super steep, and mostly above my grade unfortunately. But I did get on several walls and was inspired (once again) to get in shape, but (of course) for real this time. Watching some of the best climbers in the world navigate impossible 5.14 roofs with slow and steady grace was something to see. 
Of course, the thesis was always close on our heels, and in the afternoon heat we would often retreat to our office for banana shakes and intensely productive meetings. 
Here's something you don't see every day... 
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