Posted by: Jonathan
As the ferry pulled up to Railay, the tide was so low that we were transferred to a long tail boat to take us to shore. At least theoretically it would have taken us to shore had it not run aground, forcing us to wade the remaining 50 yards with our luggage.
As the ferry pulled up to Railay, the tide was so low that we were transferred to a long tail boat to take us to shore. At least theoretically it would have taken us to shore had it not run aground, forcing us to wade the remaining 50 yards with our luggage.
Once onshore we lugged our bags to the opposite side of the peninsula and checked into our hotel. At no point during this "experience" were any of us discouraged since we made landfall on a beautiful beach backed by soaring cliffs and overrun with mischievous monkeys.
Our big plans were thwarted that evening by showers that forced us to bed early. The next morning Dad, Jenn, and I used the strength from the extra sleep to climb up to an overlook and then down to a tidal salt water lagoon, while MB fought to find a balance of sun and shade at a nearby beach.
The viewpoint was reached after a 25 minute muddy (thanks to the rain) rock scramble.
The viewpoint was reached after a 25 minute muddy (thanks to the rain) rock scramble.
From the viewpoint we hiked further into the jungle before reaching three vertical 10 to 15 foot rock faces that we had to descend to get down to the lagoon.
Once we had our fill of swimming in the lagoon, we exited the way we came - back up the vertical faces.
We regrouped with MB on the beach for a while before spotting some tourists jumping off rocks into the water.
The cliff jumping session was cut short after Dad pierced the water a little too deep, finding the rocky bottom.
We doctored his back before heading to dinner; not just any dinner, arguably the best dinner in Asia yet. A seafood BBQ skewer which included all you could eat fruit, baked potatoes, salad bar, garlic bread, soup, fried rice, and CHOCOLATE CAKE. We ended up having an identical dinner the next night except the cake was replaced with banana pancakes - buckets!
Jenn and I picked up some climbing gear and spent the first half of the day leading some routes on a face called Diamond Cave.
Even though the rocks got the better of him the day before, Dad fought back and posted a small victory with MB cheering him on.
The only complaint that we had about Railay were the nightly showers that sent us scurrying for the hotel each evening. Although, our last night, the rain subsided just long enough for me to snap a photo of the sunset.
Waiting for the ferry to Phuket, we took a group photo - Jenn missed the memo on the wardrobe.
Once back in Phuket, our last day and a half with MB and Dad was spent relaxing. While the sun was shining we laid out on the beach and when the evening rains came, we sprawled out on the bed watching law and order reruns.
MB and Jenn swung by a mini spa to touch up the damage that had been done over the past two weeks of backpacking.
We ate a delicious last dinner watching the sunset between the gently rocking fishing boats in the bay.
After dinner we introduced Dad and MB to the wonderful world of street stall crepes. Jenn went with a solid choice, Nutella spread, while MB followed my lead with the banana drenched in Hershey's chocolate with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. If you saw how much butter was used during the cooking process (I think he was paid per tub of butter used) you would agree that even though they tasted of happiness, they were far too sinful to eat but on special occasions.
When the time came we secured a taxi and sent Dad and MB to the airport to start their long journey home. Jenn and I can't express how great it was to see family, spend time with them, and be able to share some of our travels with them. We really enjoyed the past couple weeks and can't wait for you guys to come visit again. Thanks for everything!
A note from Jenn:
I can't say in words how great it was to have some family here. Hopefully we showed you guys a wonderful time and you will come visit us again somewhere!! Also, thank you for everything. You guys totally spoiled us while you were here with fancy dinners and clean hotel rooms. I'm not sure how well I am going to adjust to being a budget backpacker again... But we sincerely had a blast and I am missing you already.
A note from Jenn:
I can't say in words how great it was to have some family here. Hopefully we showed you guys a wonderful time and you will come visit us again somewhere!! Also, thank you for everything. You guys totally spoiled us while you were here with fancy dinners and clean hotel rooms. I'm not sure how well I am going to adjust to being a budget backpacker again... But we sincerely had a blast and I am missing you already.