Cozumel Day 06 - Toadfish and Calm Seas

Woke to calm seas and a quiet dining area. Saturday is the main turnover day at Scuba Club so the larger groups were sleeping in and checking out. We enjoyed a longer ride out to the first site on the bow of the Reef Star (same big boat as yesterday). Two wall dives with beautiful coral formations on the first and good current and coral variety on the second. Not many fish today, but the dive master was able to find a Splendid toadfish for us on both. Lots more action out front tonight, we dove a little later and were the only ones in the water. One structure contained a moray, a king crab, a lobster (just out of frame) a fireworm and two shrimp.

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Cozumel Day 05 - Sharks, Octopus and Moray

A last minute change up had us on a different, larger boat today. We had the same great group of people and Julio (our guide). It was easier to get ready and everyone commented on the luxurious size of the head. Two spectacular dives today due to the sea life.
The first site had nurse sharks at the beginning and end, a slight current to play in, and loads of very curious photogenic fish. The second had less current and a spectacular middle and end with an octopus that was just sitting out (typically you just get a blob in the coral with eyes - Day 4 photos) and a huge Green Moray that was swimming freely. Gary went out for one last round of photos and video and Vicky shared a little of her extra air during the safety stop. 1st in focus macro shot for V, a Brittle star in a vase coral - YAY! If only she could have got that little purple cleaner shrimp...thanks to the backup photographer who captured it. Another lazy afternoon followed by Mexican Fiesta night where they grill and serve on the beach. We both loaded our plates with one of everything (except for the churros, we had two).

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Cozumel Day 04 - Lobster Condos

We surfed the waves of the 1,005 ft  Carnival Breeze on the way out this morning, it was really something to watch those waves rolling up then feel the force as they carried us forward. Two great boat dives, Santa Rosa and Yucab. There was a bit of a current on the second dive so we enjoyed cruising around at 50 ft and hiding behind the coral heads to take pictures.The sun was out so the light in the shallow depth was great! Lots of life on both reefs, large groupers, 'coral condos' of lobster, southern and yellow stingrays, school of barracuda and a very photogenic single with groupies.  After a warm, leisurely afternoon, we were ready to go down again. Spent just over an hour combing the bottom sand, vegetation and rubble looking for night life. Amazing what you can find when focused on a single beam of light.

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Cozumel Day 03

The weather was with us today, still windy but not rough enough to keep us in and no intermittent clouds to cover the heat of the sun. It's surprising how cold it is between dives with the wind, so having the sun shine really helps. Two great dives today, sites we dove before and remembered - Palancar Caves and Tomenos.
Highlights include a turtle photo bomb, a large lobster on the move and a very small, very pretty seaslug (the picture is actual size). We were back for lunch at 2, had a siesta, and lounged away the afternoon.
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Cozumel Day 02

Woke to a clear skies and lighter winds. We fueled up at the breakfast buffet and after watching the 5 boats load up and cruise off we decided it was time to organize our own adventure. Spent an hour kicking around the house reef taking photos of the various subjects  - rays, eels and a good variety of fish including several juveniles (Vicky's favorite). We both came up with big smiles on our faces, enjoying an easy dive that we will be doing again. After lunch we ventured out to buy drinks to stock the fridge and checked out the local dive shop across the way. A late siesta followed by another big meal finished the day. We start our boat diving days tomorrow so fingers crossed for good weather.

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Cozumel Day 01

Day 01 is actually two days with a layover in Dallas. Started the final leg with Starbucks and some good advice (see picture). A short 2 hour flight from Dallas and we've arrived! While sorting out the taxi from the airport we were approached by the typical come see our resort "spiel". This one actually looked interesting, so we spent a little time getting the real deets and managed to haggle a great deal. Free transportation to and from the airport, 3 Day rental car, a day at the all inclusive and a tequila tour for only $60.  Of course it requires 90 min of our time to listen over a free breakfast, but we have to eat anyway.  That's for next week so more details then. A short taxi ride later, we checked in at Scuba Club and ended up in room 9 (same as last time). Arrived just in time for lunch that was followed by coconut ice cream and an afternoon relax around the pool. Chatted up some other divers at dinner and found out the port has been closed the last 2 of 3 days due to wind which means the dive boats can't go out either. Seasonal wind is typical this time of year, so we'll see how the weather gods treat us. Tomorrow is organization day with an afternoon checkout dive on the house reef.

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Day 31: Chatuchak Market

Today we were back on the skytrain to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, a place where you can buy almost anything and even have it shipped home. It's open during the week, but on the weekend it really comes to life with 200,000 visitors and over 15,000 booths. After wandering through some of the narrow corridors, we're glad to have made a visit during the calm week. Can't imagine wandering the narrow corridors amongst the weekend crowds. Link to all Pictures.

Day 29-30: Back in Bangkok

Yesterday we flew back to Bangkok and spent the rest of the day at the hotel so today we needed some excitement. This morning we took the free shuttle back the the airport and hopped on the skytrain. We stopped at MBK Shopping Centre, six floors of shop till you drop excitement spread over many stores and stalls. There was a great food court on the sixth floor with local and international cuisine.

Vicky managed to find that last coconut shake and a coconut waffle to go with it. Our afternoon was spent touring on five different modes of transportation. We cruised up the Chao Phraya River on the ferry, took a tuk tuk to the subway, subway back to skytrain, skytrain to the station and a taxi back to the hotel.
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Day 28: Poo Poo and Prints

We visited the Elephant Poo Poo Paper Company, a great little attraction that lets you see all the steps in paper making process as well as participate in creating a sheet of paper and crafting a final project (journal or greeting card). An afternoon scenic drive lead us to the Temple of Four Buddhas' Footprints,

another location Steve discovered while out hugging the curves on his motorbike. On arrival today there were many areas of construction including what looks to be a large entry gate - the secret is out. Steve barbequed some pork kebabs, fresh garden beans and potatoes for dinner while we packed our bags. An amazing time in Chiang Mai with STIK Tours (Steve and Tik), we highly recommend them for anyone on vacation in the area. They are by special referral only, though ;) Everyday is a surprise from meals to the adventure, with each pick tailored to the guests desire. Off to Bangkok tomorrow for our last couple of days in Thailand. Link to all photos.

Day 27: Thailand's Highest Peak

Another fantastic touring day to the highest point in Thailand - Doi Inthanon. We started at 350 m elevation and 32 degrees and ended at 2565 m and 13 degrees - it was refreshing chilly at the top for the Canadians. ;) There was a bike race in progress as we ascended and the fastest time up was 1 hr 30 min, which seemed remarkable considering the conditions and elevation change. Another great Thai dinner to finish at STIK tours pick of the day.

Day 26: Bua Tong Waterfall and Chiang Dao Cave

Another great day of eating and touring. First stop, Bua Tong Waterfall -Chet Si Spring. First we hiked up to the source, a shallow very clear pool where Steve pulled out some water and we all took a little to sprinkle on ourselves for good luck. We sat for a bit then proceeded to walk down the waterfall, a tiered, smoothed limestone pathway. As long as you stayed in the flowing water there was surprisingly excellent traction, just took a bit to get your head around the fact that you wouldn't fall down with the water. Next stop in the tour was Chiang Dao Cave,

a large cave system with small areas containing religious shrines. We explored the public access lit sections and decided to skip the three other segments which you can be guided through with a lantern. Mainly because the smell of the gas lanterns in the enclosed space was a bit overwhelming and they wouldn't let us go with just Gary's dive lights.  A light dinner in a fantastic setting then on to the Night Market for a little shopping. Tik acted as our personal shopper, getting us the true Thai pricing rather than the inflated farang rates.

It was quite entertaining, we would look at something, then send the signal and Tik would move in from the stall next door and casually look at a few things. Finally she would choose what we just put down and the negotiating would start. Tik had to get creative a few times, as a couple of the shop owners were on to the technique, but Tik used her skills to ensure she had nothing to do with these three farang's that were buying nothing. ;)
Link to the Pictures.

Day 25: Mae Sa-Samoeng Loop

Leisurely start to the day with a late morning departure for lunch where Tik took care of ordering us a delicious meal (the menu and restaurant were entirely in Thai) along with Tik and Steve's favorite green tea drink which was a little like desert in a cup....great for cutting the spice.  After lunch we enjoyed a scenic drive from the lowlands up through the forested highlands - a loop Steve usually enjoys on his motorcycle. The first stop was at STIK tours private elephant reserve...a spot Steve randomly discovered last December, while out riding for the day. It now appears the location is in its infancy of becoming a tourist attraction, but we were still allowed to interact with the elephants on our own without a guide, as Steve had originally found them. Could have spent the whole day just hanging there, but we had other attractions to venture to.

As we climbed higher there were extensive areas of agricultural production of all varieties of fruits and veggies. But with strawberry's still in season, they were the highlight, with several varieties as well as juice and our new favorite...dried strawberries that our so sweet even Gary is good with just two or three pieces. We finished out our climb at a hill top market that sold all the in season fruits and vegetables, local hill tribe crafts and offered 'go cart' rides, not to mention magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Continued the scenic tour with Ninja Steve's 'Secret-Agent-back-roads-short-cut' down the mountain and a visit to see Steve's School - Prem Tinsulanonda International School. Finished off the day with Tik cooking up an amazing dinner topped off with fresh strawberries for dessert. Link to all Pictures

Day 24: North to Chiang Mai

One last stroll on the beach and good-bye to Pink House bungalows. We climbed into the air con mini van around 10 am and slowly made our way around to pick up the guests on the remaining 7 stops - they are very efficient at packing us in, no seat is left unoccupied! A few hours later we were back at Krabi airport and on the plane to Chiang Mai.

On our arrival we were greeted by STIK Tours (Steve and Tik) and taken back to their home for the next 5 days.  Enjoyed a great Moo Gata dinner (Thai style BBQ buffet) where you pick your meats, green vegetables and noodles and cook them at your table - all you can eat and drink for $5 - Delicious!

Day 23: Lanta Island Tour

Rented a scooter to tour the island today - two days of relaxing is enough. Drove across the island through Old Lanta Town (western shore) and all the way to the end of the road. That portion of the island seems almost unchanged from when we visited 5 years ago with Andy and Noha. Heading up the west shore we wrapped around the northern tip and started working down the eastern shore. The tourist map is a smattering of dots listing all the resorts closest to the pier and heading south along the first few beaches. But as you work farther south along the coast it still feels very similar to when we were here last. Groups of resorts with undeveloped patches of green space in between and beach areas that are still undeveloped. Yes, there are some higher class resorts replacing the older ones, but thankfully most are still small and quaint. Considering the change from when we first here in 1997 with dirt roads and grass huts it was nice to see a slow down in development. I am sure mostly due to economic conditions on not island preservation. We finished out the afternoon tour with sandwiches on fresh Rye bread at Nang Sabai (German bakery) and picked up a brownie and coconut cake for desert of course.

On our way back we noticed a bunch of people pulled over and stopped to see what they were looking at - monkeys - YAY! They must have noticed them on the side of the road then decided to throw them some Banana's, bad for the monkeys but good for photos.... We stayed back and waited for the crowds to disperse and then Gary worked his way in to get some great shots of a mother and baby actually eating what they were there for in the first place, flowering vegetation and seeds on the side of the road. Rounded out the day and our last night on Koh Lanta with another beautiful sunset, never get tired of watching the sun melt into the ocean.
Link to the Photos

Day 22: R&R

Yup that's it!!

Day 20-21: Ko Lipe to Ko Lanta

Spent our last day on Lipe strolling the beach, poking through the shops and reading. It felt like a long day not having anything planned. Finished drying the dive gear and packed our bags for the next leg of the trip. We spent 3 hours listening to the drone of 4 Yamaha engines cruising at 65-70 km/h skipping across the ocean as we made the speedboat crossing to Koh Lanta. Saw some beautiful vegetated limestone pinnacle islands along the way but the highlight of the trip was coming around the northern tip of the islands towards Seladen pier. We saw a monkey walking in the shallows and the speedboat driver definitely enjoyed maneuvering through the mangrove lined channel at 45km/h. For the next few days we booked a beach front bungalow on Khlong Nin Beach and can enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean out our front door. Will be nice a change from the busy diving and touring schedule we have been leading so far.
Not sure Gary can sit till that long. Link to Pictures

Day 18-19: Advanced Course Complete

3 more dives and 2 more coconut buns and Vicky completed her Advanced course. We've seen two amazing dive sites and a beautiful sunset in the last couple days. Been very busy diving and eating. We've discovered the best Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, and of course the best coconut shake (through extensive sampling). Diving highlights include a huge frogfish, several different nudibranchs and many different types of coral that we haven't seen before. Last day of diving on Ko Lipe tomorrow, then off to Ko Lanta for a few days and onwards to Chiang Mai, rounding out the trip at the 10 Star STIK Bungalows. ;)

Day 17: Dive Training

Vicky is happy to report that she successful performed her peak performance buoyancy tricks and navigated a square underwater. Gary was busy taking photos all the while. New fish life sighting today 'Indian walkmam, like a scorpionfish with legs and walks along the bottom - bizarre. Lots of anemonefish and different types of anemones. Gary got a great video of a very feisty one defending it's territory.

Favorite picture of the day was the juvenile yellow boxfish. Finished diving around 3:30 then hit the 'Lipe Walking Street (concrete pathway that crosses the center of the island and contains loads of shopping, restaurants and massage parlors. Favorite food of the day - coconut bun - even Gary was impressed.

Day 15-16: Bound for Ko Lipe

Spent the night at the Columbo airport waiting for our 7 am connection to Bangkok. Arrived Bangkok then flew to Krabi. We enjoyed dinner at the night market and got some much needed sleep.  Up at 6 am for our land and sea transfer to Ko Lipe. At 6:45 we were picked up and marked with a green sticker to indicate we were headed to the Pac Bara Pier. Our driver prided himself on speed and promised we'd be on time. His efficiency allowed extra stopping time along the way but may have caused a few grey hairs for some, when others heard our seat belts click they decided to follow suit. Upon arrival at PAC Bara we received our red sticker for Lipe.  The sticker system works amazingly well, despite where you get dropped off as long as you're flagged with a sticker,  you get where you're supposed to. We arrived at the Ko Lipe floating pier and took a longtail transfer to Adang Sea Lodge. Took a quick shower then headed out in search of lunch and a coconut shake. The rest of the  afternoon was spent posting the last week of blogs and Vicky studying......Advanced dive course starts tomorrow.

Day 14: Maldives Farewell

Our last breakfast with the group and a sad good-bye to all our new friends, some of whom we know we'll see again. Caught the last seaplane off Kuredu Island at 2:00 pm and spent the afternoon in the lobby of the Hulhule Island Hotel (closest to the airport). We had 8 hours to kill so played Yatchy (Yatzee) on Gary's cell phone and tried to look up some more accommodation options for Thailand but the wi-fi connection was painfully slow. Off to Thailand and Ko Lipe. To see the Maldives Picture Round Up click here.