Last weekend we joined our church's retreat at JuniperTree Dolphin Bay, a4-5 hr drive south of BKK. The girls were delighted to have beach and friends to play! We had a good time, what with worship and learning morning and evening each day and lots of opportunities to just hang out with and get to know people better.
Sunday afternoon, there was various outings organized. We took the boat trip to Monkey Island and "the cave." Monkey Island was a bit of a disappointment as we only were greeted by a few shy monkeys, where usually there are at least twenty bold ones. But the cave was well worth it. The boat ride to the mountain was delightfully entertaining with the three girls (Grace, Jasmin, and a friend) and Aiden. Aiden didn't like the lifejacket we put on him, but we all thought it was pretty neat.
The cave is up a mountain. The path is a rough set of stairs made of cemented rocks, roots, and sand. Steep. The steps are so well used that the rocks are worn smooth and shiny - not the easiest to navigate. We were a bit nervous about how well the girls would do. Unnecessarily. Jasmin led the way, starting off at a fast pace that she kept up until she got there, taking a normally 40 min climb in just under 25 min! Daddy was hard put to keep up with her - though he was carrying Aiden too. Mommy soon fell behind - to keep Grace company, of course.
The cave was well worth the climb. The huge cavern roof had fallen in in places and greenery grew in the center of the main cavern. With the entering daylight, the stalagmites and stalactites were easy to see and most impressive. We stayed quite a while, exploring the differing rock formations, and looking at the breathtaking views of trees and sky through the roof. Not all of our group made it. We felt rather sorry for Jennifer's dad, who, at 71, gamely climbed after his daughter (who was with speedy Jasmin) only to reach the mouth of the cave in time to turn around and make the return journey (we had to catch our boat at a certain time)!
After we made the decent (also in record time!), Jennifer's dad bought the 3 girls ice cream in celebration of their feat. And the boat ride back was considerably more subdued and quiet!
Once the church retreat weekend was over, we settled in for our own family vacation. Lots of sleeping, sand castling (or eating), swimming, playing, and exploring with new friends.
Thursday we joined a group going for a snorkeling trip. Unfortunately, after getting up early, a 2 and a half hour van ride, and a roller coaster boat ride, we were told snorkeling would not be possible because of the heavy seas. Suddenly the fun went out of the high waves, and the gleeful squeals and yells of the kids over the rocking boat went silent as we slowly made our way back to the warf.
Mommy and Daddy were very proud of Grace and Jasmin that day. Their response to this disappointment? "We're very disappointed, but we're going to make the best of it." And so they did, spending an hour on the new beach enjoying the high surf and loose sand, playing tag with their friends (both dog and boy), and not whining or complaining at all - even when all alternative plans went on hold while Mommy went to the nearby hospital with one of the group who had broken and deeply cut her pinky toe getting of the boat...
Now we are home and trying to get back into Christmas preparations and catch up on all we left undone to go away.
No comments:
Post a Comment