January 17,

This morning the sky was overcast and looked like rain. So we had our Javas and breakfast of scrambled eggs with onions, blue cheese, and garlic; and toast. We did more planning for this year. It rained a tiny bit off and on through the morning, but by lunchtime it stopped. 

The tide was high and crashing against our building, so instead of walking the beach, we got on Little Honda and went to the “no name” Isaan grilled place for lunch. We had one Grilled Chicken and one Grilled Pork; two Sticky-rice orders; and one Papaya Salad. This is the third time we have been here and love that we found it early in our stay here on Koh Samui. The two ladies recognize us now, they are both so nice. We paid 175 Baht ($5.10).

From here we went to a small local supermarket, that seems to have the best alcohol selection and we bought some and headed back. We stopped on the way back at the local street stand for veggies and fruit. Then at a water refill place and also got a bit of gas for the scooter here. The pump is a self service one which is unusual, but we did not know this and the owner came to help us, after his wife called for him. Finally at our place, just as it started spitting a bit of rain. We noticed a package at our door. We took it in and unloaded. The package was new silicon bands for me – which we are using as our wedding rings (Jeff's bands are in transit still). Our old ones have stretched out and slip off easily while we're swimming. Jeff had ordered them a while back. I now have like ten new bands – all different colors.😂  Now we did our resistance bands, then took a swim as the rain had stopped and it clear. My new “wedding band” stayed on like a charm.

Afternoon turned to evening and we made a Greek salad of sorts, and had it with some saltine crackers and cheese for supper. We were halfway through our meal when sunset appeared so we went out to take it in. It was a good one. Finished our supper and remembered why we have come to like Koh Samui!

January 18,

Awoke to blue sky, but a gray mass of clouds coming in. It is only supposed to be 5% chance of rain… that means it will happen.😏  We got around and Jeff went to get another water refill – we only have 3 five liter containers, so we go through them pretty regularly. Just as he was coming in with the water, it rained. I knew it!! We settled in and had our Javas and breakfast of Muesli, yogurt and milk or juice. The rain stopped but it was still blowing wind. Couple of days ago we had a fierce line drive wind, so much so that the residents – including us – came out after it completed to make sure the place was okay!! It has been surprisingly windy at times, but does not seem to go on all day, like back home.

Finished with breakfast, the skies cleared up a bit. There were not any scheduled cruise ships today, so we decided to head out. We loaded on Little Honda and took off. We went to Na Muang Waterfall. It is 9.6 km (essentially, 6 miles). We parked. The area is actually an elephant sanctuary, but these are not recommended to go to due to mistreatment of the animals. So we followed the signs for the waterfall.

It is free and quite a hike up a steep incline in the road. We arrived at the upper parking huffing and puffing, but now begins the interesting part of the hike. We ascend mostly up a rock/boulders and trails, mostly with rough built in steps, and some areas had pull ropes to assist. We did have to cross a rickety wood plank “bridge”. All along the way we passed several waterfalls of every kind – rushing down rocks, some falling down rocks, but all seemed to be full of water all crashing about. It was spectacular. I don’t know how many falls we saw, but it was several. I also don’t even know if we saw them all, but what we were blessed to see, were gorgeous! The trail did go further up, but we called it after around one hour. We hiked back down and to our scooter. Impressive!

We stopped at a new “no name” street cafe as it was pretty full of locals. We were given a menu that had English translation – yay! We had Pork Stir-fried Rice and Chicken with Holy Basil and Rice. With our orders we were given a small bowl of clear broth with green onion and herbs. The chicken dish was a bit spicier, but both were good. We shared an orange Fanta when they brought us two cups of ice. Two German guys came, so were not the only foreigners. One of them speaks some Thai. Anyway. this guy told us this place has the best Crispy Pork on the Island! We did not order that… we will just have to come back. We finished and paid the 140 Baht ($4) for our meals. We loaded up and went to the big Lotus mall that we had not been to yet. We stopped in a Mr. DIY(do it yourself) store, first, bought a replacement plate and a 9V battery. Then went into the Lotus and found items we needed. We loaded up and went back to our place, which is halfway back around the Island.

As we were unloading, we got Jeff's rings. Then we went for a cooling swim. It felt great! Then had a relaxing afternoon. I blogged and Jeff read. Evening came and we decided to stay in. Jeff did go get Tom Kai Gai soup from Jinda Cafe. We paired that great soup with a grilled cheese. Sunset did not happen, but we were okay with that as our afternoon was glorious.