After finishing off the ski season i was really looking forward to meeting up with my wife in Thailand. Between me going to Canadian Nationals in Duntroon, then back home for 5 days, then off to USA Nationals in Alaska and Erin going to India, it was 1month since we had seen each other so needless to say i was excited to get on a plane so that i could meet up and see each other. It took an arduous 20+ hours of flying but i finally arrived in Bangkok. We quickly made our way down to the south of Thailand to a climbers paradise called Ton Sai beach. What a great place to relax and enjoy the intense heat and sunshine. The food tasted amazing and we loved the kick that it had, and paired with the freshest seafood caught that day made for an unforgettable feast. In order to get to the mainland of Au Nong and back, we took these cool boats called long tails, very interesting ride.
We took part as unaware participants, in the Thai New Years festivities, while making our way from the mainland to Ton Sai, we were enrolled in the start of their three day long water fight, from super soakers to barrels of water in a back of a truck and 5 dudes with buckets soaking everyone, it was a sight to be seen. The point of Songkran festival is to cleanse your soul/body of it sins so that you go into the new year fresh. We also enjoyed some climbing with our own private guide, the most challenging part of climbing there is trying not to overheat, although the climbs were a challenge of their own. The holds are great and views are spectacular.
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Then after lounging around on the beach, enjoying some great food and drinks for a week or so, we headed out to Phuket to meet up with two good friends George and Leslie Grey. We met them at their uncle's house, it was great to enjoy some A/C, and really-- how can you not enjoy a salt water pool? The following day we went sailing on George's uncles 71ft swan yacht for two days. It was really cool, we saw some amazing sunsets and cool little islands with white sandy beaches, our favorite part was actually sailing a boat ourselves- watch out for the jib, and the ropes-- they pack a wicked whip when we tacked!
We carried out the rest of our trip with some shopping, suit fitting and relaxing on the beach throw in some Thai massages and any trip is almost complete. Unfortunately the day came when it was time to board the plane to depart for home, Erin and i both had frowns on our faces as we highly enjoying the beach life and it is always too short lived for two mountain dwellers. After a long travel home, we where a little surprised that Canmore was still stuck in winter mode.
We carried out the rest of our trip with some shopping, suit fitting and relaxing on the beach throw in some Thai massages and any trip is almost complete. Unfortunately the day came when it was time to board the plane to depart for home, Erin and i both had frowns on our faces as we highly enjoying the beach life and it is always too short lived for two mountain dwellers. After a long travel home, we where a little surprised that Canmore was still stuck in winter mode.
I ended up going touring in the back country getting some mid winter turns in before the spring thaw (still waiting). It was pretty weird coming from beach life to skinning up a mountain. Now Erin is back at work and in 5 days i am off to our first camp in Silver Star. I look forward to the camp, as it is a great way to bring the team together and do some skiing and fun activities in the afternoon. I can't wait to get this magical year started!!!!
