After some rain overnight, we woke to an overcast morning, although the sun was trying to peek through. So, after another perusal of the weather, we made the decision to return to the anchorage off Ao Po Grand marina, given that we had a few logistics to sort out and make a few arrangements.

By 0730 we’d weighed anchor and by late morning we’d re-anchored. However, with the spring tides, we decided to anchor a little further off the beach this time, but the jury is still out on whether or not that was a good idea, as the currents flowing into the marina are causing a slight swirl. Hopefully it’s just a phenomenon at mid-tide.

After lunch and a nap, we dinghied ashore to enjoy a nice long walk through the little village close to the marina, after which an early dinner was enjoyed onboard.

While many of the homes in the village were beautifully painted in bright colours and some sat amongst pretty gardens, it was difficult not to notice the number of people living under various temporary constructions along the shoreline; something we noticed at a few of the other villages we’ve visited too; a definite sign of the economic challenges this area is facing due to the pandemic and the lack of tourist dollars.

Our day ended with a focus on the beauty of nature, though; a beautiful full moon rising in the east as the sun set in the west.