"Year's end, all corners of this floating world, swept" Matsuo Basho
The last two months have seen us end the year back in Thailand where we started in January and, of course, at the same bar.
 |
| Our normal Chang beer and a Margarita |
One of our favourite anchorages is Patwa and of course the famous Beach Bar. It is also a favourite yachtie hang out to watch the sunsets over a cold libation.
 |
| The evening sunsets are spectacular |
 |
| Mr Pi and his doppelganger |
 |
| Another yachties hang out |
From this anchorage we can clear in/out, shop and do all the touristy stuff without having to endure Ao Chalong and all the fast boats!
We finally got to see the Big Buddha!
 |
| Tientos is down there somewhere |
It was time for visiting old haunts and finding new anchorages and we actually managed to have a sail occasionally. Remembering our previous visits from 2006 the quality of both the water and the coral has deteriorated and the tourist numbers seem overwhelming.
 |
| Swimming is now all limited by nets |
 |
| The boat food is still just as good |
 |
| Hey we actually managed a sail or two |
 |
| The Chicken Islands where we pay to go ashore |
There were strong NE winds which made the West Coast a little uncomfortable before the change of the Monsoon so we didn’t get to see this area…oh well next time. Having said that, we are quite over this area with hoon boats, dirty water, and tourists,so it may be time for a sea change and head east. However yachtie plans are always written in the sand at high tide...
We did see the tail end of the King’s Cup at Kata Noi and some yachts like very big courtesy flags!
 |
| Now that is a courtesy flag! |
Forget the endless days of sunshine, palm trees and cocktails….on a boat, there is continually maintenance in exotic locations and Keith managed to paint another section of the navigation area. Sadly it also looks like our 3rd haul out in 12 months coming up as the anti-foul we used in February is sheeting off.
 |
| Part of the navigation area painted...slowly getting there |
 |
| Always checking the terminals and leads |
The yacht cats still enjoy their cruising life afloat with ever-changing views and undivided attention. Sinh of course is always supervising something.
 |
| Sinh supervising the sail set |
 |
| Bennett is always more interested in cuddles |
With Xmas coming, the freezer was stocked, the tree put up and we headed for a quiet anchorage to enjoy.
 |
| The tree is up...more for the catz pleasure we think |
May all your bars be wooden and well-stocked!
