February 27,

We both awoke around 0600. Jeff said he did not sleep well – he thinks it was to us moving today, as transition days get him thinking to much. Anyway, I was able to go back to sleep a bit. Finally, up around 0700. My foot did real well last night. Jeff cleaned and dressed it, then he went down and got us hot water. We both had hot chocolate this morning, as I have run out of ground coffee. 0830 we went downstairs for breakfast. I navigated the stairs well. We both had omelets, ham, toast, and fruit – we asked to not have the hot dogs. Finished we went back up to our room. I put together my bathroom tote, then I sat on the bed with my foot elevated. I don’t know how much I’ll be able to elevate it on the speed boat. Jeff finished the packing. Then as he showered, I took the crutches down and asked the manager to give them back to the clinic. I also did communicate via WhatsApp with the doctor and sent a picture of my foot. She did seem pleased with the healing… so am I.

Now Jeff took all our luggage downstairs in three trips. I came down after his last trip. We weren’t waiting but couple of minutes when are taxi showed up, loaded us, and drove us down to and all the way to the end of the pier. I was so thankful for that taxi! It was only a mile, but when you hobble that distance seems daunting. Anyway, we gave our ticket to ticket-taker and received stickers for us and our luggage. This system works for them, so what do I know. But I do have questions. It just seems chaotic to me. Our speed boat, Satun Pakbara was late. We were told 1100, but that came and went – as we have experienced. We struck up a conversation with a jolly English couple. It started because they were kind and offered the hop-along (me) a seat. That was nice and very appreciated.

Our boat arrived at 1200, on hour late. It’s Island time, baby!!😄😎  I boarded last so I would not slow everyone down. Around 1230, we arrived at Koh Kradan… Ba-dum-bum-CHING! This is the scene of the “crime”, so to speak. It’s where I cut my foot! Anyway, some people got off the boat, but I didn’t see anyone get on. So those of us remaining spread out some. That was nice, especially for foot propping! At 1238, we set back off. But the water was quite choppy, causing many bone jarring crunches as the boat hit the biggest swells and then slammed back down. Some swells were maybe four feet, so not the worst seas we’ve been in. But our speed is what made it worse I think. I was able to prop my foot up off and on. So glad Jeff thought of the motion sickness pills – we took them around 1100.

Our next stop was at 1330, on a very small island, called Koh Bulone. Probably 10-12 people got off here. They actually transferred to a long-tail boat, which would take them to the beach for a water landing. I’m hoping this will not be how we get off. I am not supposed to get my foot wet yet! 1340 we were off again.

1430 we arrived at our destination… Koh Lipe!!!

The speed boat pulled up to a floating dock. Yeah!! Everyone on board got off, so must be the end of the line. I waited until last again. I hobbled out. One staff guy said, “Slowly, slowly.” I smiled – he nailed it! Then another staff guy held my left arm as Jeff had my right, I felt like royalty! Princess Paula.👸🏻🤣  At the end of the dock is the normal chaos of getting everyone sorted and who needs rides. Also we found out that Koh Lipe is part of a National Park and we had to pay 200 Baht each, which is $5.90 each. Jeff collected our bags and a “volunteer guy” helped him with them. Thankfully our place is just a few yards in front of us. Jeff went and checked us in as I waited at our cabin/accommodation for the next 4 nights. Jeff and the guy returned and we went in. It is lovely! The walls are all wood paneled/decorated. There is a beautiful wood slab table and the bathroom had an enclosed shower. We are paying a bit more for this room, but sometimes you need a bit of pampering, and Princess Paula likes it. I laid down and propped up my foot, Jeff went to get us some grub. While he was gone, I did unpack a bit. Stir crazy already, I guess. When Jeff returned, we had Massaman Chicken Curry on rice; Chicken-fried Rice; and Papaya Salad. We could not eat the salad as the other mains were big portions. So the salad went in the frig. It is a small bar frig, but it has an ice compartment. After we ate we settled in and cooled off. Our AC works nicely.🤗🙂‍↕️

Jeff went back out for some supplies – breakfast is not included and Jeff said there is not a restaurant in our resort. He returned with stuff and bearing a mango shake for me – that was my supper. He said he had a coconut shake, but finished it before he got here. Then we watched some YouTube. I blogged and he read.