Dugong

After a week in the Marina we headed down south to Nai Harn bay. On the way we spotted  what looked like a Dolphin but on closer inspection it turned out to be a dead Dugong. Very similar to a Manatee but the tail is a v-shape. They are endangered now and the Thai government has done allot to educate the public about the preservation of Dugongs. Sad to see a dead one.

Mangrove seeds and Crocodile Cave

Forgot to add this post. On Tarutao island (near Langkawi) we took a ride in the dingy to find the 'Crocodile cave'. This is another Thai National Park and a 200 Baht fee is charged per person. This island was used as a political prison in the 1940's as it was remote and full of crocodiles. It is the largest island of the Thai, 51 island, archipelago.

The cave is very pretty and is at the end of a Mango tree lined creek.

 We had to climb up this steep ladder to walk to the cave.

In the creek we saw Mangrove trees with their seeds hanging from the branches. These fall into the water and if its shallow they stick in the mud and grow into another tree. The brown seed on the end opens with new leaves. Nature is amazing.

New batteries

Our AGM Batteries have 'died' They have lasted 4 years and worked very well. In the last month they stopped holding their charge. Which means that during the night we would have to switch the fridges and freezer off, and even then they would not last the night. This means a busser sounds when they are too low to even run a fan.
Rob did some research and has decided to install golf cart batteries (deep cycle) These are manufactured in Thailand.
Here are the new ones waiting to be installed. They will hold 1125 Amps. All's well again.

Krabi, Railay Beach

Back in Krabi. This is Sunset beach next to Railay beach. We were there at 8am, before the tourists, the first people there! On the one side is a cave filled with phallic symbols to the Princess Goddess. The fishermen make pledges for good luck. 

 Railay beach, is only accessible from the sea as its cut off by high rocky outcrops. This is a small village of shops and tourist activities. Very relaxing. Tourists arrive via the longtail boats and drag their suitcases over the beach to the 'main street' called walking street.

Iced coffee, feet in the sand, what holidays are made of!

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Diving, Koh Haa

We went into the water at Koh Lipe and then again at Koh Haa (below, note all the dive boats). Both recommended dive sites.

Probably should have noticed that all the dive boats were collecting their divers and leaving. It was high tide and so we thought there would be no current. WRONG, it was strong and after a short time of trying to swim against it we surfaced. The short time down was still pleasurable and we saw lots of fish in clear water. Need to learn more about the tides and currents. We have to come back here.

 Joe helping me into my BC.

 Rob ready to jump in.

Langkawi Panorama

Here Rob and I are with Joe and Mercia in the Telaga Marina. From here we hired a car, went Chocolate shopping and then took a trip up the Panorama cable car.

The cable car has two sections. It reaches 708m starting at sea level. Its a breathtaking ride and was made more interesting by the wind which moved our little 6 seater car sideways. A few anxious moments for me..

The view from the top is awesome, looking out over all the little islands of Lankawi, Malaysia.

Shame it wasn't a clear day.

Joe and Mercia on the trip up.

A sign in the car park, had to photograph it.

Snorkelling

Did our first dive with Joe, an easy reef on the southern point on Ko Ngai, the visibility was bad but there were lots of fish. Sad as it would be amazing if the water was clear. Near the surface it was crystal clear and Mercia and I snorkeled, looking at all the clams of many various colours, so pretty. We then fed the fish off the back of the boat. We could see the rocks below.

Another beautiful sunset