February 16,

We were up and walked beach around 0730. At 0815, we were turning in Cracklin' Rose. Then we walked back to our place and had breakfast. Jeff had soft-boiled eggs (a little to soft- could have used another minute cooking). The rest of our meal was same-same. We returned to our room and I blogged – Jeff read, then we packed and showered. We are Island Hopping today!

At 1155, we checked out. At 1225, our transportation arrived – a truck converted as a people mover. The whole bed is two long benches over the wheel wells, and a frame/canopy over our heads, which doubles as luggage storage and shade. We boarded with others, and we had more join as we make our way to the pier. There are many different ferry lines here. We were all let out at Tiger Line Ferry at 1245. Jeff checked us in as I minded the luggage. He came back with news that our ferry is not leaving until 1400! That was not as we were told. Hurry and wait! 🤦🏻‍♀️  So… We went to a little food court – conveniently right beside all these ferries check in places. We shared a Chicken Noodle Soup, and a Chicken Pad Thai. I had a Mango shake; Jeff had a Coconut shake (They were Icees). Total meal cost us 210 Baht, which is $6.23.

1355 Jeff went to check where we go to board. They said 1430, and showed him where we're to catch the boat. Gets later all the time – Jeff said he won’t probably book through this particular ferry line again – to many options. Anyway at 1435, we were on the boat. It was overloaded, I think. CRAZY CROWDED😲!  Four people had to stand, or they could have gone out front in the beating sun. They were all sensible and stayed in. We took off around 1445. We went through the “canal-river” of ocean that separates the Koh Lanta Island. There were the mangroves on either side, like we visited yesterday in the village. Once through the mangrove forested canal, the ocean opened up and the driver kicked up the speed – nicely adding a much appreciated cooling wind. We passed by several small islands.

Finally, we arrived at our destination… Koh Ngai!!

The speed boat/ferry did a landing on the beach. Then it felt like Keystone cops!! Luggage was being placed on the sandy beach and “official people” seemed to just shout and not really directing anything. It was chaotic. We thought we were the next resort down. So we found our luggage and started on a cement pathway to the next place over. But we were yelled at by the “official people”… Where are you going,… can’t go the way we were,… have to use the beach,… leave luggage here and walk. WOW!!  Like I said, chaos!

We walked to the next place, via the beach, only to discover it was not the right place! Now we have to pay long-tail boat to get us to the pier- which the others would have had to do also. But we are only two! Is the price more because of that? I was a little put out. I did not dare ask about the pricing! We had to pay 100 Baht each ($2.97). While we waited for the long-tail boat, we did see a couple of Hornbill, or Toucan-type birds. This particular resort feeds them. That was cool to see. Finally, we went back to our luggage and boarded a long-tail boat and we were taken the ¼ mile to the pier, which is our resort. Crazy!😵‍💫

Anyway, we arrived at Koh Ngai Resort, we were checked in and at room by 1610. So much for a easy one hour or so, Island Hopping Venture. We unloaded and changed out of our sweaty clothes… pool time. It was not as cool as we would have liked, but it’s a good size. When we finished we just sat in a lounge chair to unwind, relax, and dry off. Around 1730, we went to the resort restaurant. We had Steamed Sea Bass in a chili-lemon sauce garnished with lime, cucumber, & garlic with a serving of rice. I had a Margarita, Jeff had a large Chang beer. The waitress forgot our water, and when Jeff signaled for it. She misunderstood and brought him another large beer – already opened, so he took it. She apologized and brought the large water. The fish with the sauce was superfine!!😋 The bill was 965 Baht ($28.62). The restaurant does a running tab for your room number. So Jeff signed for the meal.

We went back to our sparse room and tried to talk with my mom. Mostly just able to say hi and quick updates. Our resort’s WiFi is only at poolside, the restaurant, or at the reception area. So not great reception and as most always, Wifi throughout Thailand has been way slower in the evening than the daytime. We did not even attempt Zoom with our church back home. We like our new place, but with the drawbacks from the get go – it does not make for a good vibe.