Slightly lost track of time here, easy to do really. Have had a really fun time so far though. Quick flights down from Chiang Mai to Bkk and on down to Krabi (I’m too lazy to get the bus ;)

So boarded a longtail boat from Ao Nang to bring me across to Tonsai to meet the others from NZ for dinner. After wading through mud up to my knees and getting unbelieveably hot (it’s hot down here) it wasn’t quite the entrance I was hoping for.

After washing my feet with a toilet power-hose thing I set off to find the others at Lisa’s Restraunt. It doesn’t exist. I was beginning to feel like my entrance, let alone any chance of meeting the others for a well deserved pint was slipping away!.. hehe, however, someone said there was a Tina’s so maybe I should try that – and after finding a room and having a shower I did, and it was lovely to see the gang from NZ (Steve & Yvonne, Warick, Michelle, Glynn, Dave – and Philipp from Ireland (well, Germany really))

Spent the first few days falling off routes (still am). It’s funny – after 3 months of travel – well almost 4 really, I’m horribly unfit – particularly climbing unfit. That said, it has been fun, and I am making slow progress, though still not leading much.

We took a boat to Phi Phi to check out the climbing there.

That evening though we got into the Phi Phi swing of things, heading out for dinner and then a few (quite a few) buckets (rum & coke mainly), not a huge amount of climbing was done the next morning by those of us who went out for a few wee drams.. and I even stopped early ;)

Next morning headed kayaking with Warick though he wasn’t feeling the best (food poisoning we think), and a little snorkelling before back to Tonsai.

The next morning headed for a few climbs, and then Mhairi arrived down (after 33hours on buses (with 10 hours break in Bkk)).. and then took her up a lovely climb called Groove Tube – 6a (well, a 5 really).. and then we all headed out for dinner, it was Glynn and Yvonnes last night.

Pic on left is of Glynn (triangle man) and on the right is Philipp on a lovely 6a+ called Fit to be Thaid

Other than that, well, it’s been climbing and resting really. I was knocked out for a day with some nasty bug or something evil that was going round.. still, I guess I’ve been lucky to survive this long without a bad stomach…

Nicole – Tills girlfriend arrived yesterday, pic of Mhairi and Nicole on the beach..

There was also this amazing storm (well, thunder + clouds) which rolled in ..

Not sure how much else I’ll get written up before being back in Ireland (which I’m really *really*) looking forward to.. canna wait to see my new nieces and nephew!

So, into Rai Lay and met up with Glynn + Michelle + Warick + Steve & Yvonne + Dave + Philipp, and have spent the last while climbing and snorkeling and generally having fun… no pics as yet, far too expensive to use the internet here – and climbing to be done!

Currently on Ko Phi Phi island, quite nice crag, but way touristey..

Firstly, two video’s from our trek in Laos. One of the weird football/volleyball game and the other of Mhairi playing with the kids
Had a nice wander around Chiang Mai today, taking in Wat Chedi Luang. The ruin is of a chedi (big pillary templey thingy) which used to be 86m tall (built in 1401 but destroyed in an earthquake in 1545).

And also Wat Chiang Man, the oldest Wat in Chiang Mai (built in 1296). This pic from an adjoining building which houses a tiny crystal Buddha (1800 years old) and a stone Buddha from India (2500 years ago – though another guide book says no statues were produced before 2000 years ago so who knows).

After that had a quick trip out to the culture museum where we learned about some of the hill tribes (which Mhairi is going to visit over the next few days). Looks like it could be an interesting trip!

Then off to a cooking course – just an evening one I’d have enjoyed a 3 day one like my bro + Helene when they were here.. but hey.. can’t do everyfink. Still, made Pad Thai, Tom Yam Gung (Prawn soup), Green Curry and Stir Fried Morning Glory (like spinach).

The trip to Thailand was an adventure for sure! We took the slow boat (as fast boats run with a mortality rate of about 10%)

There was some lovely scenery on the way, and plenty of time to play cards, catch up on diaries and books. It takes 2 full days from Luang Prabang to make the border. It’s a really cruisey affair up until the last 30 mins of the trip!

Oh, Matt (an English friend of Canadians (Julie, Leilla and Mia) that Chris and Emily had made somewhere along the way! – anyway Matt totally terrified the poor boat people by pretending to dive off the boat. It *was* kinda funny though.

So.. in Luang we’d booked all the way through to Chang Mai. Knowing it was going to be a slight rush as our boat got in at 16:30 and we had 2 hours to clear customs and get to the bus depot.

Our bus got in at 17:20 ish… there are horror stories about people getting bags knicked and I can see why. It was a mad dash to make it to immigration before it all closed. Then a boat across to the Thai side where the official wasn’t super happy about 8 people arriving 5 mins before he had to close, but still, we were stamped and let through – and found that our bus would leave when we were ready.. so in the end all was well…

That evening as we arrived into Chang Mai there were fireworks going off all over the place. We’d arrived at the end of a festival and everyone was letting off these lanterns – the sky for miles was dotted with these things.. it was really really beautiful. However, after 62 hours of travel we didn’t make the most of it perhaps.

Oh, the pic of the lantern, and most of the ones on the boat trip were Chris’ – and of course the one of him discovering the real use of the jars.. so thanks to him for those.