I’ll take stroke, you can have bow

Number off from bow when ready! Ah, well the sea kayaks only have two spots, although there is room for a third non-paddler. With a very brief introduction to kayak paddling technique, we’re given waterproof bags to put valuables in and loaded up in to our boats with military efficiency.
It’s stunning scenery everywhere you turn in Tharnbok Korannee (one of the many National Parks in Krabi), where we’ll be spending the day paddling and visiting sites protected by the state. Through narrow passages and caves, and over harsh rocks that will run you aground if you’re not paying absolute attention, Yo Yo and Noo will be our guides.

From 08 Jan 2010

From 08 Jan 2010

I’m humbled to hear that they both work every day of the week and earn around £1,600 per annum. That’s considered a good wage – they don’t have statutory holiday, sick-leave, or an HR department – it’s hard knox every step. In spite of this, however, they are both wonderfully entertaining hosts and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Noo asked our names just once, and managed to remember all 10 names for the remainder of the day.
This beats paddling on the Thames. In fact, this is by far and away the most serene place I have ever enjoyed water sports. I’m surrounded by crabs of luminescent colours, mudfish, geckos and ants an inch long. And these are just the creatures I can vaguely identify – you don’t get this kind of wildlife on any river in Blighty.
About a kilometre downstream the scull cave is found. As we moor up, it’s up the stairs and inside to view the several-millennia old paintings. Yo Yo has a great sense of humour and managed to keep us laughing and giggling all day. Each painting he illuminates by torch, we are asked what it may be. Anything with a stickman he suggests is “ladyboy”. This picture he insists is a tellietubbie:

From 08 Jan 2010

Up to the top of the cave and I’ve a feeling Yo Yo’s taken a shine to my sister. I suggested 2000 baht was a fair price – he reverts with 4000. Clearly not all Thais have the skill of bartering. For this I receive a smack on the shoulder, but I know she’s flattered.
After lunch and back out for a long paddle, this time in the opposite direction to visit a rubber tree plantation and something that is best described by picture. It’s pitch black through the entrance cave, so the guides go first to illuminate. As we pass in single file scraping by the razor sharp walls to our left and right, it’s difficult to avoid the rocks lying in wait just underneath the surface. Our reward is as follows. And with long-tail monkeys jumping frivolously from tree to tree a hundred feet above, it’s breathtaking.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/22017652

From 08 Jan 2010