Friday 22 January 2016

Well, who knew wind would be so good overnight that massive effort (we rolled in some sail) would be necessary to slow for post sunrise arrival? Weather weasels you say?... suspect lucky guess. After cleaning up and brekkie, went ashore with Always Saturday to get sim cards, coffee and general lay of Chalong. No nap, then drinks and dinner with them, Tintin, Chamomile and Inspiration Lady; all heading across Indian Ocean shortly either to Sri Lanka or Cocos Keeling and eventually South Africa.

Saturday

Although motoring around Phuket Island is an exercise in chaos, the drivers are remarkably polite, so our rental survived unscathed. Discovered that Boat Lagoon has boat crap that we shouldn't be able to find in SEA, 115v boat crap - cool. Also visited Big Buddha (big honkin' statue on a hilltop and yes, that's it's official name), Phuket Town (just another big town) and Patong Beach (Phuket's equivalent of Kuta Beach in Bali, but with more debauchery.. hey, it's Thailand - it was great fun). After excellent meal in Patong and drive back, cajoled guard at gate to let us drive out on 1/2 mile-long pier since shuttle had stopped for the night and ILs had continued their massive over-provisioning. The 200 baht donation may have helped, but probably wasn't meant to cover our leaving car out there all night. And yet we remain unscathed.

Sunday - Thursday

Little of this, little of that. Moved over to Nai Harn Beach and alternatively did a bit of boat work, wandered around, goofed off and ate some wonderful food while awaiting weather window for Sri Lanka bound. Chamomile and Tintin left Wednesday. Inspiration Lady delayed a day for half of crew to enjoy triennial passing of kidney stone nearer medical attention if necessary. Jan, Jackie and I had more fun Wednesday than did Gary. Flush-out success had them off Thursday morning in good wind followed shortly by none.

Friday

We now reside off Phuket Aquarium which may expect a visit in the AM if soupy mud sufficiently grips anchor through the night. Thus a Goldilocks scenario: Too little breeze (too hot to sleep), too much breeze (too dangerous to sleep). Just right's about 13 knots. We're counting on you Baby Bear.

Jack