Although we were in a reasonably calm anchorage overnight off Koh Phetra, the constant occurrence of distance thunderstorms and associated lightening flashes across the sky kept disturbing our sleep. Additionally it was extremely hot and humid making for a fitful night’s sleep. Fortunately a rain shower passing over us in the early hours of the morning helped cool everything down. However, we were both awake before dawn without the need for an alarm and by 0600 we’d weighed anchor at first light.

Due to the light wind and having to work our way through the usual fishing nets and pods, we motored initially, but by 0730 we were able to hoist the main and unfurl the headsail, which allowed us to motor-sail on a reefed main, due to the numerous squalls in the distance, and a reefed headsail, so we had an unobstructed view ahead to manoeuvre around the fishing nets and traps.

The further north we sailed the more numerous the limestone monoliths became, making for some stunning scenery. Add the flocks of birds we saw everywhere and the absence of garbage strewn across the beautiful deep blue waters and we knew we’d entered a completely different environment to that which we’d experienced since leaving Australia in July 2019.

The sight for the day, however, was the blooms of pink jellyfish we saw floating passed us as we headed to our next anchorage for the night, Koh Lanta, apparently a normal occurrence for this time of the year. However, we understand from some research that the experts at the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) are not exactly sure what species of jellyfish, within the Pelagiidae family, they are, but information indicates they are considered venomous and are best avoided, especially considering their tentacles. If stung, the suggestion is to pour vinegar on the wound, which helps relieve the pain and then seek medical help. The local name for these jellyfish, actually translates to “red jellyfish”.

Although we had a showery morning, fortunately no squalls passed over us and by midday we were able to sail on and off as the wind picked up. Being able to motor-sail in between certainly helped give us a boast, nonetheless. By 1300 we’d anchored off the southern end of Koh Lanta as yet another rain shower passed to our starboard side, had some lunch and went for a nap; all the early starts and sailing days had clearly caught up with us, to the point that Elaine forgot to take photographs of the very picturesque island.

Feeling a little bit more refreshed, our tasks for the remainder of the day included oiling the furler clutch, lubricating the weather-guard zips and washing under all the floorboards, which we managed to complete just as an evening thunderstorm paid us a visit. We’ll definitely be putting down the cockpit side-shirts far more frequently than we normally do at anchor.