And 2007 comes to an end

Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious. - Ruth Reichl

After the Merdeka festivities it was time to head back to Langkawi for some quiet time and to arrange to check the keel more thoroughly after kissing the reef in Indonesia. We meandered among the islands finding waterfalls, visiting Mr Wilson again, catching water with all the rain, enjoying sun-downers with old friends, and trying to arrange a haul out. We also met a guy called Uvan who apparently owned the yacht in the Mangels Safari series. Oh, he didn't like Vegemite at all!

Cruising through the islands

Another Ozzie BBQ

Fire and Rescue again waving at Keith

It was also time for a visa run so back to the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club where our charger caught fire. This was quickly put out using our BCF extinguisher. We purchased a new one (Sterling Battery Charger) at Penn Marine and the antifoul we would need. 
On 26 September we caught the ferry to Satun for our visa run, once again staying at the Singkiat. We were also invited to dinner (ants on the menu) by the PSS owners, Gowan and Kim, and also enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at their home. We also received an invitation to Oh's wedding which unfortunately we didn't make.

The foreign section always seems empty

More Thai food

Back at RLYC, a lovely young man, Tit, had finished polishing all our stainless steel - this is a job I always try to farm out.
We had booked Tientos into Rebak Marina for its haul out and us into the Rebak Island Resort (much more comfortable). However, we received a phone call from the marina to say they couldn't fit us in. Okay, says I, cancel the Resort as well. Another phone call two minutes later they rang to say NOW they can fit us in, but nope, the messenger can explain to the Resort. So we spoke with Wavemaster, situated on Bass Harbour, who were only too happy to have us. 

Haul out at Wavemaster

We were a little concerned about any damage sustained after hitting the reef but the incident only removed some dynel from the keel and scratched the rudder. Whew!  That was a relief! With repairs completed, the antifoul on, seacocks in the head changed and the generator switch replaced, it was time to hit the water... 140 tonne travelift broken down and we could not fit the 500 tonne so a few more 'free' days in this spotless yard.  Time to service the outboard with new plugs and replace the prop. 
Kuah was still being hit with storms and a number of boats were dragging so we decided to return to Eco Beach for awhile.  Before leaving though, Bobo's (the little yachtie bar) needed me: I cooked a roast lamb dinner for 13 hungry sailors!!!

Bobo's was the yachtie hangout

On Melbourne Cup Day we cleared Langkawi to return to Thailand for more island cruising. 

Ao Chalong over a beer

Tientos through the Hong

Crystal waters

In Phuket we visited the Sail Loft of Rolly Tasker; this is the largest purpose built sail loft in the world! Designing our own gennaker was amazing and so much fun.  Pity the same can't be said for the price! 
 

The new gennaker

Looking good

As Australians went back to the polls, the Ao Chalong Yacht Club was a hive of activity as we watched the annihilation of the Howard Government.  

Once again we caught up with friends for sundowners all over Phang Nga Bay but we wanted to return to Langkawi for the xmas break back at our quiet place and to reflect on a very busy year.

The local boys came for a visit

Australian lamb rack for lunch

A present from Tientos to a little girl

May all your bars be wooden and well-stocked!