Volume 8, December 21, 2009
In this edition...
The Coconut Telegraph
Rubber and Grease
It is the first day of winter and well over a month since I arrived on Koh Phayam. As has become the trend of late, there have been quite a few changes on the island in the past 6 months. There are newer, larger and faster speedboats servicing the island. That convenience is nullified by the fact that there are no flights to Ranong this year and tourism appears to be slow for the time being.
That has not stopped the bar scene on Aow Yai from multiplying. I think there may be as many as a dozen bars on the beach and rumours that a few more are likely to spring up as the season progresses. The noise level at center beach must be significant, as I have heard the music playing late into the night all the way back at our place. There are several new bars and restaurants 'inside' the island as well.
The road to Aow Yai through Middle Village is finally under repair as the constant tractor traffic trashed the concrete. Let's see how long that lasts. Big Tree road - which is still best described as a motocross track - also saw some repairs.
Ted and I picked up a pair of sea kayaks in Ranong and paddled them back to Koh Phayam. By the time we were in the water, the afternoon was half over. Dark fell upon us half way along Koh Chang and we decided to continue to Aow Lek, an hour further. That was one of the most memorable moments in my paddling career. The bioluminescence was spectacular! We were welcomed on the beach by N, owner of N & X Bungalows and camped on the beach. Next morning we paddled to Koh Phayam. A nice first outing.
The waves have been here and there of late. Ted has changed this year. Yup, he got rid of the waveski and bought a surfboard. He caught on quickly and is riding well. Sunrise surf has been on the program lately and we are enjoying the ocean.
Some of the regular crowd is drifting in and more will follow. The pulse of Koh Phayam begins to quicken as the holiday season approaches.
Season's Greetings to all.
Nature's Light Show
Survival Tips for Island Living
Waves, women and other observations.
