krabi--koh lanta

The next weekend we headed to Krabi. I'd read a lot about Railay and the turquoise water and limestone cliffs but after Rangi and Sara's family almost ended it all on a long tail boat in a storm getting on and off the peninsula (accessible only by boat), we opted to stay on the mainland. Rainy season started five days before we got there and all the water was brown and the weather pretty dismal. So instead of the beach we drove to every waterfall or natural park within a 60 kilometer area. These pictures were taken at the Crystal Pool--where the sun surfaced for the first time in a week. 

 The highlight for the kids was this natural water slide. Elie loved it so much she had a complete breakdown and refused to leave until I tried it. The crevice is perfect for little kid bums--not so much for adult, 5 month pregnant bums. I was worried I would some how end up wedged in and the Indian and Russian tourists would have to work together to free me. But it didn't happen and it really was fun. 

 After two days in Krabi we headed to the quiet island of Koh Lanta. We were the only people staying at our resort and the 12 of us probably doubled the amount of tourists on the entire island. 

 We even had two days of sunshine. It was fantastic. 

 Vi would probably put 'sand' slightly below our 'trip to Cambodia' on her 'all time hates list'. Also on there: strangers, church, getting locked out of the shower and me paying attention to anyone else. 

 Sam skin almost camouflaged him on the beach. The next day he would been better camouflaging himself in a crate of lobsters. 

 Eliot could play at the beach all day, every day.

"Please, I just want to go home to my air conditioned house!"

 On our way to the airport, we stopped off for some elephant trekking--when in Thailand...

 I actually stayed in the car for a nap--great decision. 

 We loved having Sam and Darren on our trip--they entertained the kids in the back of the van for 4 days straight. On a related note, they may never want to be around children again.