Just Cruizin On Bluemoon

Log 86

So .... after a really wonderful Birthday, we decided to lift anchor and head off to our cute little Flint stone Island, Rang Yai where we would stay for a few days after going to Koh Hi first,  then meet up with Tiara. Sails full, doing 8 knots ...the ocean a deep blue grey wonderfully pushing us forward ...  brought to mind a good reason to celebrate ... it was exactly 4 years that we have lived together ,and breathed on Bluemoon, twenty four hours a day, sharing love, joy, laughter, our children, many incredible experiences, and all our daily trials ... . One could not help reminiscing about how quick our trip has gone... during a journey .. many things occur that usually take a life time to experience! I think it is because of what one is exposed to. This is the world I love! This is a true feeling of being alive, a perfect harmony of life! We were all totally absorbed in our amazing, beautiful, and forever memories, having an appreciation in the value of all the amazing people we have met and grown to love  .... Meeting so many people along the way, who have never even thought of a dream, or many who have dreams, but have not accomplished them, brings to mind something I read about ...  there are those looking to kill time while others who live pre occupied with how to live longer, and the reality is that we still have to live it ... time ...What I have learned is that the greatest enemy to accomplishing your dream is yourself! And the best hope of accomplishing your dream is also yourself! Life funnily enough only gives you life, everything else you have to work for, otherwise you will feel trapped....  so don't waist your time waiting to be given happiness, or love, or unforgettable moments .... or even dreams ... you need to get out there and live and go for it yourself!

What a way to savour your life and have meaning to it!

I know there are many who do not believe fully in the Lord Jesus - yet this trip, the people, my experiences, has re-confirmed that there IS a God, Jesus .... He is more real than everything else and without Him I would never have done the many things I have or grown and soared like I have ... it has all been through Him that I have got to where I am - John, Justine, Jess and Jono too x

I realize that I am addicted to love, to life and to dreams .... The more I seem to love, the more I want! The more dreams I accomplish, the more I want to go for the rest of my dreams!! I am totally hooked on life and living life to the full!! It is such an amazing way of knowing I am actually living ....

For all those reading this that can relate to what I am writing ... Re-evaluate your life ... where you are right now, what you are doing and the reason you are doing it .... do you make time for the simplistic and most wonderful things such as friends and family ... all the money you make - do you get to have time to enjoy it with your family? I read once that there are statistics for everything except how many people are truly happy ... In love or living their dreams ....

It does not matter how long we live ... only how we live.

Looking back and thinking of all the countries we have sailed to makes me feel Sooo excited! Thinking of having lived all this brings back so many incredible, wonderful memories .... especially all the unbelievable lessons that we have learned and carry inside of each one of us ... having fallen in love to many times with so many beautiful places ... I always think God spent more time on some places than others ....

I have searched for simplicity, tranquillity and peace ... and have found it to be a way of life I will continue to strive for!!! Also another thing I remember somewhere, is that there are no illnesses ... just ill people. Gets you to thinking ...

We dropped anchor at Koh Hi which was a lovely, quiet and peaceful little bay. Jono went to a tiny little beach at low tide and climbed this huge jaggered mountain!

Started feeling not so good ...  then Justine had a temperature which worried me ... so through out the night I washed her down and kept an eye on her, myself feeling not so good and could not sleep very well. The following morning her temp was up again, and I too was feeling even worse, yet trying to ignore it and hoping it would go away! We lifted anchor, sailed in calm water to drop anchor at Rang Yai. We needed to get our charger working so decided to lift anchor and head for the entrance of Boat lagoon where we dropped anchor, John and I then headed with the dingy to Boat Lagoon where we moored up then went to town to drop off our charger to be checked out. Quite fun going on a plane again!!! Feeling nauseous, back ache, headache.... Got a few things we needed then headed back to Bluemoon where we lifted anchor and re anchored  at Rang Yai just as the sun was setting.  We had spent three days at Rang Yai, where I had almost no energy. Started vomiting and thinking I had a tummy bug.... Both Justine and I had a temperature.  Tiare arrived and spent the night at Rang Yai then we both lifted anchor and headed for Koh Phanak.

By then we both had a High fever, 40°C, bad headache, red painful and sensitive eyes, Chills, my lymph nodes were up, we both had deep muscle and joint pains, felt ultra sensitive to touch, loss of appetite, nausea and I was vomiting. Our blood pressure was low and we both had extreme fatigue! Had extreme lower back pain too - It was terrible! I felt all my skin had been peeled off of me and I was in agony lying on my bones! I had earlier been helping and ' treating' Justine, then I just could not ... My precious husband and Jono decided to head back to land and help as with both of us being so sick, they needed help close by. Tiare decided to stay the night as it was already late in the afternoon by now which meant we would drop anchor in the dark. Justine and I had slept most of the way - John was gunning the motors! Had quite a time dodging the very shallow sand bank which we are sure we touched. John did some research after the clinic was not very helpful to our condition, and could not help us, but did buy lots of isotonic which we were told to take and started taking regularly by John's insistence, though we were both too weak to have even tried to argue. Tiare came in early the next day x John crushed some paw paw leaves found on shore, and gave us the juice, ( a few times during this period) which increases your while cell count which is supposed to help with dengue fever. It was really awful being hit like this and feeling so sick. Anyways, it was up and down for several days, till we were certain we were not going to die LOL! Though we were very week for along time, we were slowly getting stronger and better.

Jono filled the water tanks, got some veg then lifted anchor along with Tiare and headed for Koh Hong.

Just had rain so it was quite refreshing! After a good sail we dropped anchor at  Koh Hong which means, Room Island and is part of a group of islands one hour north of Krabi. Koh Hong has only one beach - Pelay Beach - and it is extremely beautiful! Fine white sand, coral and lots of varieties of tropical fish.

Ko Hong is another island with a big lagoon and caves and the boats arrive here en-masse and weighed down to provide the Hong experience for the multitudes. This area is part of a national park and is quite stunning. The islands are very pretty with caves, overhangs, limestone stalactites hanging down to near the water, all quite spectacular really! Pelay Beach is framed by limestone rock formations which give it an enclosed feel. Coupled with the fact that there are seldom many people here at night as there are no hotels or stay ins, Koh Hong kinda feels like a ‘desert island’ which is so cool! Its name comes from an eroded group of caves in the middle of the island which harbours a large lake with a small passage to the sea. When the tide is high, long tail boats are able to enter the ‘room’ and tourists swim in and around in crystal clear water with a depth of around one metre. It is beautiful!! I just love it!

Koh Hong is also one of many collection points for the nests that provide the ingredients for bird’s nest soup! Can you believe it!! Anyway, you can witness the fascinating sight of young men shimmying up bamboo poles to great heights to collect these nests, genuinely risking life and limbs in pursuit of their income! Apparently death and injuries do happen! For us this little island is really ' getting away from it all'  and I just love, LOVE sailing in these parts!

We had a lovely time paddling around and exploring and taking lots of pics .... funny how we have stopped being tourists that only see things from the outside... instead we have actually lived each place, taking it all in and it being just awesome!!

Lifted anchor and headed for the floating village. We were escorted in by a tour dow and declined the tour so politely he headed off to escort Tiare in.  It is an entirely Muslim community floating in the water, even the mosque, and shops were built on the wooden structures that hold the paths and houses more than one meter upon water level. This village is perched along the huge rocks of Phan Nga Bay and flourished with the popular fishing industry of the area. Through time, the village has changed and been exposed to the tourist industry. You will see quite a few tourists looking at the many little shops which are hugely overpriced! Also many, including ourselves and Tiare have enjoyed a lovely meal in the restaurant. It definitely is a different way of life.

A day later we lifted anchor and headed for Koh Roi. it is absolutely fantastic - seemingly it's a rock climbers heaven, as the mountains around here are massive and some were busy mountain climbing so Jono and Sam saw it as a challenge!

In Phanaga bay most of the islands, Ko Hong, Ko Panak, Ko Roi and Ko Phanang, have a lagoon and caves and the boats arrive here also en-masses and weighed down to provide an experience for the multitudes of tourists. This area is part of a national park and is quite stunning. At Ko Roi we saw a few boats anchored out, and one was South African whom we knew so we went to say hi on our way to shore. Feeling really sick we still managed to do some exploring. This Hong was spectacular! There were lots of mangroves inside and it had the appearance and sounds for a set for Jurassic Park! The amount of bats and birds gave one quite an eerie feel - especially seeing a totem pole tied up in a mountain groove with rope.Tango was brought to shore and loved the freedom of running around and exploring too!! We went back to Bluemoon to relax and take some isotonic while the boys headed for the mountain, and climbed it jumping off the rock into the water!!! It was so high - 10m I think...  that the guys had to straighten their feet so they didn't break anything! Unfortunately Jono pulled a tendon and has been taking it very easy so it can mend.

Went to another Hong then off to Krabi which has such a stunning scenery! I love sailing here as it is so astounding ... and the beauty of colour surrounded by a stunning coloured sea with elegant limestone mountains all around.

It is amazing actually that at most of the popular places you can barely see the beach for all the people, boats, piers, shops and deck chairs .. now Ao Nang beach, Krabi, is a vibrant tourist centre.

It has the relaxed atmosphere of a small town, with the beauty of beach resorts all around, and the friendliness that sets Thailand apart from Patong side. The town itself is small; a 30-minute stroll takes you from one end to the other. Given that floating buildings are impractical and sheer cliffs don't readily lend themselves to development, this paradise won't be paved over anytime soon!

Ao Nang is actually 20 minutes from Krabi Town. John and I went ashore and took a long stroll around the little town enjoying the fresh breeze and being off the boat for awhile. Also go a few things from the chemist to help with the dengue fever, including more isotonic! Coming back to mini moon we were shocked to see the tide had really gone out and mini moon was half way up on dry sand! I was instructed  by John to stand by while he pulled her back to the water and so started and received some help by passerby's eyeing me out as if to say why are you not helping... but with a temp and still feeling very sore and weak I was not going to even try and explain...

There are so many small, intimate islands nearby that you could pick a direction and give your water-borne taxi 30 minutes... A watery world of adventure waits, as you cannot get to those islands by car - only boat We actually went to Riley bay first then to Ao Nang, Krabi x We dropped anchor at Riley with a setting sun on the horizon - which was stunning, after doing a recki to check out the bays and decide which was more sheltered from the strong gusts, and so radioed Tiare then dropped anchor.

Riley is part of the mainland, but is only accessible by boat, because of the high cliffs behind it. There are 4 beaches on the peninsula: Tonsai Bay; Railay West (Sunset Beach); Phra Nang Bay; and East Railay (Sunrise Beach ) Some spell it Riley and some Railay. The resort was built in 2007, and is surrounded by limestone cliffs and accessible only by boat. The golden sands of Riley Beach, the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea, the sheer cliffs and the tropical jungle covered hills of Krabi surround the individual villas, which are set amidst coconut groves and exotic gardens will be imprinted in my memory forever! Absolutely breathtaking!!!

Railay presents a tranquil and extraordinary world... within such a small peninsula, it is stunning to see such gorgeous white sand beaches, soaring limestone cliffs, viewpoints, caves and a lagoon hidden inside the cliffs, shaped and fed by the changing tides.... There are only footpaths ... no buses, no cars, just long-tail boats. Although it's actually connected to the mainland, the spectacular place is effectively cut off from the rest of Krabi by limestone headlands and steep jungle valleys, except by sea. This place is honestly the very picture of tropical paradise!!!

That night we had a delish Japanese curry Hiromi made! We bought these same  Japanese curries which Hiromi and Daniel suggested and could not read the instructions, yet after tasting her curry before, and with help from Tiare, we have learned to read and change the recipe as needed and Love it!!! So were thrilled with a great curry.

The following day, after being in Ao Nang, it was time to say goodbye to this beautiful place that managed to refresh my spirit and soul, and head back to Yacht Haven so we could go to Ao Chalong to sign out.  Sam got the good news that he was accepted into Uni so everyone was so excited for him - just sad that Hiromi and Daniel will watch their first born leave the nest and soar like an eagle ... our time too is on countdown ... and we have two babies gonna leave ....so our time is also coming ...

We had an awesome sail down to Yacht haven, then had to furl in all the sails and motor down the channel to drop anchor with low winds. We hired a car and headed the following day to sign out. Picked up our charger that was not even looked at!! Went to Tesco and shopped till we dropped LOL!! Bought lots of pork to fill the deep freeze as in Langkawi you don't get any x Had a really nice day then headed back and gave the car keys to Daniel so they could go to Tesco too to do some shopping before Daniel and Sam flew back to NZ for Sam to go to Uni x Then it was another great day!! Sam's 17th birthday!! We had a really fun time! We made a ' book ' for Sam to take with him to uni xx also got a video from them of our trip! Whoop whoop!

Looking at all our children, including Tiare's - it is wonderful to see that they are not a result of marriage, but the fruit of it x  I am a blessed woman!

Sadly,  the following morning, 6th Feb, after topping up the water tanks, we said our goodbyes to five wonderful friends, whom we had sailed together with since the 4th November x They have impacted our lives in ways we will forever be grateful!!

I cried all the way lifting anchor and sailing down the channel ... I hate goodbyes!! Yet that is the saddest thing about sailing and meeting wonderful people - each one must go their own way after a time and that is always the hardest part!

We headed to Phru Nai where we dropped anchor right next to a nudist boat! LOL EVERYONE, eight people we counted were all nude - canoeing, swimming and relaxing ... so we also just relaxed and chilled for the night, then it was up early, lifted anchor, let out the sails and sailed out of the anchorage all the way to Koh Lanta which consists of 52 islands including the largest, Koh Lanta Yai. It's located approximately 70 kilometres from Krabi town and is not at all as pretty as Krabi, but it is still lovely and peaceful! We dropped the dingy and headed off to drop anchor just off shore with mini moon and all of us dived into the crystal clear water where we swam, and thoroughly enjoyed splashing around! It was absolutely wonderful!!!

We lifted anchor at the crack of dawn and headed for the last island in Thailand, which of course we never stopped at as we were having such an awesome sail!! So we just continued knowing the sun would set by the time we dropped anchor in Telaga, Malaysia. We did a ninety miler where we sailed right through! It was absolutely awesome! Just extremely hot! We entered Malaysian waters just as the sun peeped over the horizon, then managed to drop anchor as was thought, when it was dark. All slept very well! Woke to a glorious backdrop ... a totally picturesque setting! Dark greenery on a huge cliff with the cable car dotting the tip of the mountain. Then after a lazy morning we lifted anchor and headed for Kuah, which is a rustic little town.

It is also the point of entry to Langkawi Island which is also a duty-free shopping town. Somehow this place, which feels like home to us has an old-fashioned charm to it.

Kuah, the main town, is located on the southeastern side of Pulau Langkawi and is the take off point to the neighbouring islands by ferry.

The name "Kuah" is a Malay word meaning "gravy" and involves an old legend of two battling giants who overturned a gigantic pot of curry at the spot where the town now stands.

While at anchor, we get to see the square with real bright and colourful, pretty lights at night, which is dominated by a huge statue of a brown eagle which is always so breathtaking to see!! The reasoning behind the brown eagle stems from one of many theories about the island's name. 'Lang' means eagle in Malay (although the modern word is actually helang) and 'kawi' means reddish brown -- or the brownish limestone that makes up the island according to some.

After setting down after anchor we decided to set out to town to find something yummy to eat! x

Till our next log, keep living life to the fullest!

Love always, John Jenny Justine Jessica and Jonathan x