TEMPERATURE SCREENSHOT
AMETHYST AND SAPPHIRE BALCONY CAFÉ
Closed for the day.
ADVENTURES OF THE DAY
Today’s mission was to find the elusive Overlap Stone, a natural wonder on Koh Samui. This hidden landmark is a very, very large boulder balanced upright on a rocky outcrop overlooking Lamai beach. They had read that there is no known explanation for this extraordinary phenomenon and that it has stood there for the entire recorded history of the island. Their curiosity had to be satisfied.
Having traveled up and down this road on a number of occasions and still managing to miss any turn-off to this site (in spite of looking out for one), they were determined that this time they would track down and find the elusive Overlap Stone.
After a quick breakfast of cheese and Vegemite toasties, off they scooted, North up Moo road towards Chaweng, heading for Lamai, with their GPS destination set to the Overlap Stone. (it was a lot easier finding this on Google Maps than it was in reality)
With the gorgeous sun basking down and the scooter zipping along they navigated through the roads and the traffic. Every now and then they stopped to check their GPS location. By the time they reached Lamai, the baking heat called for a cool off, and realising that they had not yet been to this popular tourist beach, they found a side road with access to the beach.
Lamai beach, very much like other beaches visited, is a long sandy stretch, bordered by beach-front hotels, resorts, bars and restaurants. Lamai, however, is fringed by a more lush forested tree-line. The water is much deeper than Choeng Mon and Chaweng though. A few steps out and one is already waist-deep in the swells which are more pronounced and not as gentle.
After a swim and floating around in the swells, they dried off in the tropical sun before returning to their scooter and their quest.
After a short drive they checked their GPS and . . . . they had apparently missed the turn-off again. With mutters of disbelief they turned around and back-tracked. Mandy’s navigation was operating in Super-mode and she was looking for an unlikely side-road she had noticed earlier. Stop. Check GPS. YES, this was it!
And so began the steep and steeper winding incline. Nearing what appeared to be the highest point they should have, in hindsight, realised that the incline was more suitable for a 4 by 4, than a scooter. Heading up what was about a 45 degree angled stretch, Richard felt the back wheel starting to spin and the scooter felt to be on the verge of rolling back down the very incredibly steep road.
Instinctively, or in panic (not sure which) he flung the scooter to the side into the roadside verge. Rather that, than rolling backwards on a scooter he was losing control of. So yes, embarrassing as it may be, they promised to keep it real and tell all. This left our two intrepid 50-somethings lying on the side of the road, in a ditch, with a scooter resting heavily on both their left legs.
Richard, lifting the scooter off their legs asked Mandy to get out from under the scooter (if she could) and help him to get the scooter upright. He managed to get to his feet and (struggling with the heavy scooter) wondered why Mandy was not helping hold up the scooter. He turned around and Mandy was not there. She was rolling back down the really, very, steep road! She managed to stop herself and got back to helping Richard with the scooter.
Eventually they managed to get their scooter (missing the left mirror which they later found in the ditch) to the driveway of an old abandoned house on the opposite side of the road. A little shook-up, after a rest and a drink of water, they decided to proceed the rest of the way on foot. Mandy limping along behind Richard, nursing her latest Thailand Tattoo, awarded to her right knee. They made it to the top, just short of Mandy having a heart-attack.
After following a path through some jungle, they came upon the Overlap Stone. What an amazing and breath-taking sight. They took some photo’s, Mandy making sure that she was not too close the the edge as she peered tentatively over to look at the amazing view of Lamai Beach. Even though the stone had stood for hundreds of years, Mandy (nerves frazzled) was not too convinced that it would not choose today to decide to move and go tumbling down into jungle far below (taking her with it).
They took the descent rather cautiously and rather slowly on the scooter (which seemed quite unscathed except for the mirror) and reached the main road. On the way back to Lamai they stopped at a roadside scooter repair shop, and a friendly young non-english speaking chap helpfully re-attached the mirror at no charge.
The idea was to stop for another swim at Lamai before proceeding home. However, on the way, Mandy saw a sign for ‘Valentine Stone’ and directed Richard to the turn-off and they came upon another hidden Koh Samui gem.
Valentine Stone, (Lamai Viewpoint) is a lovely garden, waterfall, natural fish spa and a lookout view of Lamai Beach on the top of a hill. A cable ride would get them to the top of the hill. Both were game as this did not require a scooter ascent. There was also a bar at the viewpoint and both needed a drink or two. From the viewpoint deck they also watched a few youngsters doing a jungle zipline which they decided to give a miss. (out of adrenaline rush for the day). LOL
They made their way back down to enjoy the garden and Mandy really wanted to experience the Fish Spa (see video below LOL.) The garden was interesting, to say the least (take note of the wooden sculptures) and had an air of peaceful tranquility.
Feeling much more relaxed they were ready to hop back on the scooter and take the long drive through the late-afternoon traffic (which was rather hair-raising at times) and arrived safely at home.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
Mandy’s Fish Spa foot therapy experience. It was really great for Richard to see Mandy laughing with such gusto after the stressful scooter incident.
Although it was an eventful day, both had to agree that without the scooter, they would not have had the experiences and adventures they have shared. Life, for them both, is more about having stories to tell, than having things to show.
What an adventurous day. Had me smiling but worried at one point. What if that scooter had done more damage to both your legs. Very brave of you two I must say. Enjoy your last few days before the serious stuff begins. Lief jou xx
Hi Sis – is hilarious telling the story now but not so funny at the time. Was a bit shook up after that last incident but rather that than rolling backwards down that steep incline. Richard did the right thing. He would not have been able to control that scooter if it had started rolling back at that angle. We have decided to stick to the normal roads from now on and if in doubt, rather walk and climb. Enjoy the Easter Week end and Ceres. Lief jou. xxx
guys, I look forwsrd every day to find your blog updates in my in-box! The imagery had me belly laughing at the thought of you rolling down the hill after the scooter incident, Mandy! Was that ‘arse over kettle’ style, or ‘rolling pin’ style?😅 Thanks for the sharing the Great Adventure with us 😘😘😘
Hi Gaye – More “rolling pin and slide” style. Was so steep one had to walk down while leaning backwards to prevent yourself from sliding or falling forward. How we we thought, a scooter, back heavy with my fat arse on, would make it up those steep inclines, in retrospect, absolute madness. LOL – we fine on the Scooter on the normal roads, Richard handles the scooter well. its just our scooter/bike inexperience on those “off track – unbeaten paths”. Anyway we learning every day. Knee not looking good but keeping it clean and disinfected. Thanks for all the input and joining us on our adventure.