Railey
Trip Start
Aug 15, 2008
1
25
62
Trip End
Mar 19, 2009
Krabi,
Thailand
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
We arrived in Railey safely. Our first impression was one of disappointment. We had heard so many wonderful things from travelers but, for us, it was a very touristy, expensive resort packed, family excursion, cramped Thai place (not even a town). However after a little exploring we found our backpacker mecca... across the water from Railey West lay a nocturnal, bamboo hut heaven at Tonsai. We trekked across and found a trusty wooden bungalow - a home for one whole week! We found ourselves immediately comfortable, surrounded by like minded people of all nationalities, and we especially bonded with the Thai staff at our lodge
'Chantal Croft'
. Once we were settled we soon began to realise how right everyone was about this place. We hired kayaks for the day and took to the sea! We explored all the amazing rock pinnacles that stick up from the water, and gazed at climbers attempting some incredible cliffs.We tried snorkeling but the visibility was poor. However the kayaking was just the start of our adventurous activities. The following day we did a days rock climbing ourselves (with a guide).. Apparently some of the worlds best climbing is here in Railey, climbs of all grades! Sam and I started on the 123 wall (well all beginners have to start somewhere1).. it was quite an adrenalin rush, and the views were incredible, (the ones I could bare to look at whilst clinging on to the rocks!) In the afternoon we explored a huge cave. With no health and safety and definitely no risk assessments, we clung to rocks, shimmied up ropes, jumped across huge gaps, all in the pitch black!! Then finally we abseiled back down to the beach.. (I was Lara croft and Sam was Indiana Jones for the day!!) The whole experience was superb.. so much so that Sam's new hobby is rock climbing..(for this week, he he he, just kidding Sam!) Sam chose to climb again a few days later, once his muscles had recovered. He got to progress further with wall grades and I think has left him even more hooked on the sport. He seems quite keen to do some in New Zealand (How about it Olly?).The rest of our time on Railey was peaceful and relaxing. Our favorite place was the 'small world bar' where we enjoyed a singha and my favorite new Thai cocktail - 'Caipirinha' (Sang son rum, syrup, brown sugar and fresh lime juice).
WE have finally sorted our flights to Australia, from Singapore. We had to change our plans due to the airport in Bangkok being full of protesters! It did mean however that we could no longer do our Christmas shopping in bangkok as planned, so we had to pop to Aonang in stead. We are currently in Aonang now, getting the final bits of xmas packaged and sent. We travel tomorrow morning by sleeper coach to Singapore, 24 hours!! so lots of stretching today!
