I’ve been trying to put into words how I feel about Ton Sai. It’s incredible here. The water is warm, the views are spectacular, the rockclimbing is amazing. One of my favourites was a 6c (5.10+?) I led at Thaiwand Wall that was over 30 metres. It finished with a giant stalactite … [Read more...] about Lovely, Dark, and Deep
ton sai
Deep Water Soloing: Rockclimbing above the Ocean
I’d heard there was a place in the world where you climb up giant overhanging walls with rocket-sized stalactites, and when you get to the top (or when you fall) there’s nothing but crystal-blue, warm water below. That's Deep Water Soloing, and it's a big reason I came here. … [Read more...] about Deep Water Soloing: Rockclimbing above the Ocean
Geckos, Monkeys, and Smiling Faces
It’s been a long time since my computer scanned for a wifi network and found nothing—either locked or unlocked. My pastel green curtains are suspended from a lopsided metal bar. The paint is chipping off the white plaster wall. I have a pet gecko, not by choice. Mosquitos own … [Read more...] about Geckos, Monkeys, and Smiling Faces
“Out of the Freezer and into the Fire”: Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam
Yes, I intentionally mis-quoted the saying. Whereas one usually leaves the frying pan and enters the fire (from a bad situation to a worse one), when one has as poor circulation as I do, the fire is an awfully attractive idea. Kind of like "The Cremation of Sam McGee": "Since I … [Read more...] about “Out of the Freezer and into the Fire”: Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam