Dreamy Koh Tao

Sunday 12th Feb

So we woke up and got our bus to the pier at Chumphon. As soon as we got out and the sea air hit us, we immediately felt at home. It was still quite dull out as it was so early and I swear looking out at the water, we could have been at any harbour at home.

The boat across took 3 hours and we slept for most of it, waking up as we got to the pier. Wow! We hadn't even stepped off the boat but this island was already living up to its name! We are staying at the eastern side of the island which is the more undeveloped part. We were looking for a taxi but all we could see was open back pick up trucks. We eventually found one going to our resort. Soon we discovered why everyone drives off road vehicles.....basically, there are no roads, just dirt tracks! I have never seen such a boad road as the one leading to our beach! I can't put into words how severe the tracks are...perhaps this picture will sum it up?!...

After a scary journey we arrived at Tanote Bay. It is literally like something from a movie!! We are staying in a hut on the hill overlooking the beach, even have a hammoc on the porch!

We grabbed our swimming gear, rented snorkels and ran for the sea! I have never had such a satisfying swim! The water was warm and so clear, I've never seen anything like it. The entire floor is covered in all different kinds of coral and every colour fish imaginable is swimming around us. We have indeed reached paradise!!!!!!!!

So we spent the day swimming and in the evening we thought we deserved a few drinks, it had been about a week since our last night out. Jesus did we make up for it!!!!! We sat at the bar on the beach and gradually our circle of drinkers grew. We had two Irish guys, a German, a Swede an American and four locals. I think we drank all the rum and beer in the bar!

We eventually called it a night at 4am! Long but amazing day!!!!!!

Monday February 13th

As you can imagine today was a bit of a write off!!! Just lay by the beach all day, finished my book and swam the length of the beach a few times. Couldn't think of a better hangover day really!!!

Tuesday February 14th

Today we got up early and went into town to rent a quad bike. Scooters won't get you around this island so comfortably so we decided on the bigger more robust mode!!

We whizzed around the roads...actually that sounds too smooth, we uncomfortably chugged along the dirt roads, falling into pot holes and battering our asses off jagged rocks, exploring different beaches and bays. Even managed to get Luke to go for a swim in shark bay...he was terrified!!!!

 we travelled to a view point up in the northern part of the island to catch the sun set...another unbelievable day. Tomorrow, one of  friends from home (the lovely Eddie McKenna), is coming to see us on the island. Were going to do the PADI diving course together...if we don't drown in as bucket of rum!!!!!