I finished my previous post this morning at 5 am. So pardon the overlap.
Instead of starting my day off with coffee, I decided to test the water. Oh goodness the water was blue! But how warm…? My fellow Chicago couple went in first, and just yelled “jump!”
I took the plunge, wondering the temperature. Immersed in the water, I could already taste the salt. It felt like bath water. Amazing to be swimming, let alone in December!
Breakfast is served! There is nothing like fresh, free range eggs. Look at those gorgeous orange yolks! Fresh pinapple and papaya, fabulously cut and arranged, with a side of crispy bacon.
Onward! We head towards the caves in the middle of the bay. We all layed on the bow, relaxing until we arrive two hours later.
Unfortunately I did not take pictures of the beautiful karst formations. Since there were not enough kayaks, we swam, and “walked” through. There are a few pictures of the caves that I will add later.
The paths were dark and narrow, many making us duck, then squeeze under or around the low edges. The bottom had rocky spots. Suddenly, someone from the group would fall under, sending warning to avoid. This was also a very busy stop for tourists. Kayak services were going through at the same time. It was better being on foot, rather than being stuck in the boat traffic jam.
Inside was breath taking. Hundreds of over sized mangrove trees, enclosed by limestone rock.
Group photo: Carin, Max, me, Sarah, Eric, Captain Francis, the Swedish couple, Kristina, Tina, Karston, and Evy.
We made it out, and some decided to swim back to the boat, rather than take the dingy. Well, some made it, but a large tour boat decided to add some waves to the rest of the groups plan. The current became so strong, swimming harder and harder, made no progress.
Francis came back to rescue the 4 left, including me. Thank you captain! We all made it safely back aboard.
Lunchtime!
Chicken wings, salad, and the best shrimp Pad Thai I have ever tasted! Our on board cook, Ice, truly spoils us!
We set sail to our destination for the night. We made a pit stop on a small island offshore. We paddle boarded and kayaked to explore. When we reached the beach, we saw 3 starfish, who were slowly disappearing under the sand. Then, something buried started shooting water at me! It was a clam! I have never seen one closed and alive, unless I was cooking!
Walking through these inlet passageways, we heard a screeching noise. I’m thinking,”Great, if these are monkeys I’m out!” We walk closer and closer, as the screeching gets louder… we look up in the trees… and everyone screams “MONKEY!”
I am about to dart for the hills, err beach, and then everyone goes,
“Wait… birds…? No, they’re bats!” Oh my goodness, the biggest bats I have ever seen! Now relieved, I was pretty stoked! I will upload some of these pictures later.
We head back to the boat and motor to our spot for the night. It was only 6. How the heck have we accomplished so much, and we still had two hours before dinner! Hmm what to do…
There was a little lagoon not far from where we achored. The sun was starting to go down. But, ah ha! I have my headlamp. Let’s go!
A few of us took out the kayaks to check it out. More beautiful, smaller man groves, and very peaceful. We were able to see the silhouette of the bats flying between the trees.
Dinner was served. Once again, amazing! We have been spoiled with our delicious, healthy, fresh meals!
Curry chicken, beef with sautéed greens and rice. Some complained the chicken was spicy, but I thought the flavor was impeccable!
The night slowed down, and once again ended the night chatting on the bow. It is so peaceful to stare up, hearing the waves, which slowly rock the boat.
It is getting harder to keep up! We accomplish SO much in a day, once again it’s 5 am, the following day! And as mentioned previously, our wireless is very slow.
I will update later, how my day was in Raileh yesterday. Known as one of the best rock climbing destinations! Spoiler, it was incredible!
Expanding Horizons 