Tiama getting hauled out Thai style
The Tiama Needs Work
I am mobile, yet not ready to set sail. This is my 1st of what I hope is many blog entries. My return to Thailand has been a series of ups and downs. Tiama, surprisingly doesn’t need much cleaning but does need to be hauled out to fix a cutlass bearing. I’ll also use this downtime to do anti-fouling, plumb in a water maker, and saltwater wash down pump. And, if there is enough money left, I’ll install a dinghy davits/solar arch. It is also time to fix the oil leak on the engine and get new hoses. I’m glad I never married because I can only imagine that boat repairs must feel like alimony payments. There’s little joy in it.
My highlight to share with you is that I got back on the proverbial horse and have been driving a motorbike!
Meet my New Horse
It is a 100cc Yamaha moped which is one tenth of the engine size I used to ride: A prized 1000cc RC-51. The last few days of riding around on this 100cc hog have opened up a new version of Phuket to me. Public transit in Thailand is cheap and readily available, but the places I have had the boat (Chalong and Krabi), have mostly taxis for transportation. This annoying detail has kept me from exploring land due to the imposing costs of getting around.
Now that I have access to a moped, my newfound freedom has taken me to Au Yon, Phuket Night Market, and a reggae bar on Muy Thai Road, all yesterday! Today I rode Karon and Kata to do some body surfing.
Two days of riding this 100cc motorbike has dispelled any lingering fears I may have and has given me a different sense of freedom.
Preparation for the Big Journey
So, on this note, the race to January has begun. Four months seems like a long time to prepare. But really, it isn’t. If you had four months to prepare a boat for a ten month-long journey in the Indian ocean visiting remote places without the usual resources we westerners are accustomed to, on a shoestring budget — how would you execute that? Love to hear your responses below. Sure, I’ve done it before on large crossings but one can never have enough moral support and time to prepare mentally and physically for what may come. I’ve found the universe has a sense of humor in the missions it brings me and sometimes I don’t find it all that funny. Sometimes it’s really hard and these are the parts I often feel uncomfortable in revealing because I know many of you want to see me doing well.
If you’d like to keep abreast of my travels, please like my Facebook or Instagram profiles. If you think I’m the kind of guy who’d be fun to share a beer with (because I am), you’re more than welcome to buy me a beer by supporting me. It really helps with morale and I’ll be happy to give you a FB shout out to say thanks until one day when we may be able to share tales of the ocean in person.
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Your devastatingly handsome misadventure guide 😉
What did you name your ride?
Love it! Phuket adventures have just begun <3
I’m so glad you’re doing this! We love having one more way to keep up with your adventures and honestly, I really want the world to know you and your story. I feel sorry for those who haven’t yet been lucky enough to meet you! Good job!
PS we all love you and want to hear about what’s happening even when it’s not all sunshine and roses. Keep being honest and putting it out there.
same here!
I’m so happy for you that you got to get back on a 2 wheeler! Your bravery is astounding. I am glad we have a place to enjoy your writing and keep up with your adventures! The indian Ocean journey sounds amazing, but I’m sure it is hard at times, it’s beyond anything most of is will ever know. Hang in there and keep your eye on the next port!
Hi There, great to hear you are back on a bike and exploring Phuket, pleased to hear also that you Are getting a water maker, that is one item you will need for the crossing and it makes life so much easier in general, no more lugging water containers that is the pits. Look forward to your updates, hope the slip goes smooth.
Nice! I always said you should do something like this. Maybe it’ll inspire me to get back to work on mine
Well written mate. Keep on keeping on.
Cheers. Scott
Ps. Did u get paid by Cruising Helmsman
Yup, sorry for the delayed reply. Still trying to figure out this website thing.
Hi Awsome Sailor, so lucky to know ur storiese, and i m trying to translate them into Chinese, let more Chinese know you and your stories,our sailing history begin very late， you have such strong will which is worth of studying. so please smile although life is not that kind always…….good luck from China, Dalian
Aloha from Thailand. Thank you for translating this!
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I located it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!
I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Thanks , hlyn Steger