Snorkeling
Trip Start
Nov 28, 2007
1
26
31
Trip End
Dec 25, 2007
Khao Lak, Thailand
Friday, December 21, 2007
The staging area to move the hordes of tourists who 'must see' the area's biggest attraction is crude but efficient. Large 'live-aboard' vessels sit tied to the docks; large picnic tables provide a waiting area just outside the equipment room where those of us who did not pack our own gear will select loaners. Steve benefits from the proliferation of Scandinavians as they are a sizable lot (Valhalla must have some serious doorways!) and flippers in his shoe size, which could only be described as a greedy abuse of foot ownership, are plentiful.
The speedboat ride is about 90 min. We are switched at the last moment to a smaller, less crowded boat. That we have dodged the bullet of a fussy toe-headed toddler is a valuable plus. Two Yamaha V6 200 engines blast the boat across the water as if we were being chased by murderous snorkel thieves. There are enough Brits to off-set the otherwise interactionless Nords, so the ride is social and pleasant. The staff of the tour company is courteous and professional.
Once we reach the Similans, we visit the first of four islands (there are eight, but we will see four). The islands are tropical and lush and the waters around them reflect an assortment of brilliant colors from torquoise to jade to mint green.
A little brevity seems appropriate here (and yet nowhere else... curious) so basically, the day goes like this: Snorkel, travel to a beach for lunch (entire fishes deep fried and served with other stuff - really good!) then snorkeling, travel to another area, snorkel off the boat, travel to another beach, blow off the snorkeling and lounge with a beer, and (are you sitting?) have a lovely chat with a retired Scandinavian woman!!! Her look is great; Dame Judy Dench meets Bjork - you don't see that every day, Pally. Then we depart for the mainland.
The coral and fish we have seen are beautiful throughout and the sighting of a trigger clownfish is a highlight. We do not specifically find Nemo, but quite honestly, his cousins offer bigger thrills.
The speedy ride back in choppier waters provides multiple opportunities for the boat to take to the air and land with nearly hull-snapping impact. We are the only passengers (or crew for that matter) to wear our life vests throughout the trip because we are smart (are you reading this our respective mothers?).
After returning to the hotel (did we mention what a find it was?) we head next door for 30 Baht or $1.00 Changs on the beach and watch another stunning sunset. A repeat trip to Eule Restaurant guarantees a great meal and the memory of the Calvados Prawns is so sensual it's almost sexy. And so another perfect day ends (as far as you're concerned).
