Climbers' playground

After a quick couple of days in Singapore I arrived in to resort-strewn Phuket, Thailand. I wanted to make the most of my two and a half weeks here so I didn't hang around in Phuket long. I arrived in Krabi on Monday morning and from there caught a boat to the inaccessible and beautiful Laem Phra Nang headland. Laem Phra Nang, or Railay, is on the mainland, but the topography of the area permits no roads to approach it, so the only way to reach it is by boat. Approaching Railay by boat was a beautiful way to do it; gliding over the turquoise water, past the mangroves and towards the clean beach made the whole area feel beautiful and invigorating.





The main reason I came to this part of Thailand's coast is the climbing opportunities it offers. Limestone karst cliffs dominate the scene and local climbers have bolted up sport-climbing routes ranging from grade (French) 4 to 8c. I couldn't wait to give it a go, so I booked myself on to a one-day intermediate's climbing course for the day after I arrived. In the morning we got in to the swing of things with a bit of top roping, and I remembered how out of shape I am by not even managing a 6a+. We also climbed up the inside of a cave on pre-placed ladders and emerged on to a ledge from where we had a great view of the surrounding beaches, before abseiling down in to the forest.





In the afternoon I learnt how to lead climb, something I've been meaning to do for donkeys' years but have never got round to. I really enjoyed it, and as soon as I get home and have enough money (ie around about December 2047) I'm going to get myself a rope and some quickdraws.



I'm going to hang around here long enough to do a bit more climbing (hopefully), and perhaps some kayaking, on top of reading as many Nick Hornby books I can find and trying to get a tan (nice try Mike you pasty bastard). I may end up staying here until I have to go to Bangkok, around the 11th.

This is probably going to be one of my last posts. How weird does that feel?