No mansions on this foreshore.
21 July 2014 | Koh Tarutao
Last port of call in Thailand, Koh Tarutao, the largest island in this southern Thai national park & just 4nms from its southern point to Langkawi, Malaysia. Intend to spend a couple of days here. This was a former penal colony, the site chosen as it was remote & infested with crocodiles!!! Were they intended as food for prisoners or prisoners food for them?
Found a lovely anchorage in the lee of Koh Laen by 1020 hrs. Ashore was a fishemens’ camp. We could see hundred of fish traps stacked up on the beach & as the longtails were returning throughout the morning , the men were putting their catch in to a floating fish cage.
Went ashore after lunch & were astounded to find that the caves here were home to the fishermen and, in some cases, their wives. One family was well set up in the largest cave, living among stalactites. They had hammocks & a kitchen, a fire for cooking & seemed very happy. Using signs & a liitle language, I found that they had a six year old daughter who lived on the mainland with Grandma.
We have seen many fishing camps but they had all been built. This one simply used what nature provided. It was amazing. The photos seek to convey an appreciation of the “simple” lifestyle of these gentle people.