Seperate Ways...

It has been quite some time since we left you all in the loop. I guess that is what happens when we are staying in a place where we could easily spend our daily budget on one internet session (plus, it's the anticipation that is the turn on, isn't it?). I have some good news... as promised, we are finally able to deliver some long desired pictures to this blog. I will try to briefly describe each one, and then fill you all in on the recent happenings.

The pictures are vastly out of order because I haven't figured out how to upload the pictures correctly. However, the landscape photos are of Ton Sai and some of the walls we climb, the long-tailed boat on our way to Ton Sai, the bamboo bridge being built with natural vines as twine, Suzi and Lek talking, and finally, Suzi and the best menu we have seen since we arrived here... ice cream (not to mention we were in the middle of a Thai department store when we found it).

Since we last left Krabi town, we have been on Ton Sai beach spending our days sun-baking while climbing some world class limestone. The rock seemingly has melted off of the face of itself, leaving and endless supply of pockets, handles, ledges, overhangs, and other features to play on. Next time I update the blog with pictures, I will be sure to snap a few of the bizarre features to let you all see them.

The climbing is hard, way harder then we initially thought it would be. Still though, there are a variety of routes that are a bit more moderate, and for those that are not, the protection is safe for falling. We also ran into some of our Alaska friends while in Ton Sai, so we have been all climbing together and creating Alaska sized ruckus (that is until we fall asleep at 8:30). So what could possibly be the downside of a secluded peninsula full of climbing bums from around the world climbing all day, swimming in a perfect sea, and listening to reggae over a well deserved evening beer.... its expensive. Not to mention the scene. We thought we were coming to Thailand, but lately, despite the great climbing and incomprehensible beauty, we have felt the stronger presence of English speaking foreigners and pizza, rather then the kind dark Thai people. Not to mention, there is a constant sickness that seems to spread to everyone.

To escape, we rented kayaks for the day and made it to some of the far off islands. The seas were so clear, we could see what seemed like forever down. That was until we actually snorkeled in it. I have never been much of a diver or sea goer, and until that day had no idea the absolute beauty of the ocean. With just a short swim, we found ourselves on a reef edge watching way more then we could see from the boat. Fish of all colors and shapes, coral, and bloby things with underwater mouths. Amazing. Too bad the weather picked up and we had to hitch hike a long tail back to the beach we were staying on to avoid getting swamped in our small sit on top kayak.

Time eventually took its course and we had to leave Ton Sai for Krabi once again. We rented a motorbike from Au Nung, and made our way to Krabi last night.
"Drive on the left, drive on the left, drive on the left, oh shit watch out... ahh in the clear, drive on the left Jared, on the left."
After finally figuring all of that out, it was a blast to be free on the road. We came into town for me to resupply cheap things to go back out to Ton Sai, and for Suzi to leave for her Yoga training. Yesterday was full of fun with shopping, eating a huge chocolate Sunday (our first chocolate, and our first ice cream since we have been in Thailand). We were even able to squeeze in a visit to a mountain temple which took 1,237 steps to climb up to.

I dropped Suzi off this morning and now the separate journeys begin. Presumably, she is on some bus or boat right now. Look for her fun filled entries and hopefully pictures soon. I am headed back to the western rock mecca with Kyle and Charlie (the other Alaskans) for a few more weeks. Next time I come back to town i will make sure to add some more pictures.