Jeremy's Cool Travel Blog: More from Ton Sai

After four very memorable weeks, I left Ton Sai on March 27. It was a bit sad to say goodbye to the friends that were still around and to leave the beautiful scenery, but it was time to go. Similar to my time in Hampi, there's only so much of the climbing-eating-swimming-partying routine that I can handle before it starts getting repetitive.

To continue from my last update, here are some highlights from the last couple of weeks:

Climbing and sharing many laughs with Darran, Jussi, Nathan, Stephanie, Chrissy, Jules, Simon and Victor. We were bummed when Jussi left us, followed by Stephanie two days later, and Chrissy a few days after that, but that's how it goes. I'll remember all of these people for their good nature and amazing humour, which really made me feel at home and let me be myself (to thier regret at times, I'm sure). Thanks to you guys for the following: Darran for your hilarious British sensibilities, your love for the Boatman chicken burger, your patience as a climbing partner, and for being a great drinking buddy; Jussi for your love of rock n' roll and for your positive attitude; Nathan (hey champ!) for all the crazy shit that came out of your mouth and for helping me climb harder; Stephanie for being the best damn cheerleader a guy could ask for at the crag ("allez Jeremy!"); Chrissy for practically being my personal assistant and for laughing at my stupid jokes; Jules for just being an all around nice guy (hope to see you in Toronto); Simon for your fedora, for being part of the henna bucket team and for rebolting / putting up the new routes; and Victor (V-Funk!) for pushing me to climb harder, for falling on my head, and for eating like nobody's business.
Spending three action-packed evenings with Elisa and Meja from Finland. We met one night at Sunset bar and then carried on at Chill Out bar, where a surprisingly good reggae band kept the party going til late. This didn't help my performance on the mult-pitch Darran and I tackled at 8:00 am the next day, but I managed. We ran into our Finnish friends at dinner later that evening and enjoyed several digestivos at Sabai Sabai over games of Jenga and billiards. After a stop at Sunset bar, Darran, me, Elisa and Meja found ourselves playing Truth or Dare (yes, really) on the beach til the wee hours. The details will fall under the 'what-happens-in-Ton-Sai-stays-in-Ton-Sai' umbrella. The next day was pretty low key, but that night we all got together again for several rounds of shots, cocktails and ridiculous photos at Small World bar. It was then that I decided to break out the tube of henna I'd bought in India. There's nothing like an intoxicated henna tattoo party to remind you of the previous night's shenanigans (e.g. waking up to find "Ton Sai!" enscribed on your chest). Many thanks to Darran, Simon and Team Finland for the wild memories! My liver is less thankful.
I already mentioned the multi-pitch with Darran (Humanality, 6a+, 6b, 6b+, 6b), but it was fantastic. I didn't find the pitches on Humanality as consistently enjoyable as on Big Wave, the first multi-pitch I did with Chris, but the fourth pitch is famous. It involves stepping back off the wall onto a big stalactite, going up a bit and then back onto the wall (see photos on this guy's blog). I found the move pretty 'what-the-hell-am-I -doing-here?' psychological, but I perservered. The climb goes right over the deck of Ton Sai Bay restaurant and it was fun to see people watching us with curiosity.
Enjoying a few more jam sessions at Sunset bar, including one with a duo from southern Alberta. One of these nights there may have actually been some people dancing... or maybe just Nathan.
Sending some good routes on days when I had no business climbing well, and getting my butt whipped on days when I was well-rested. Climbing can be very humbling.
Listening to AC/DC while climbing at Eagle Wall with Jussi and Stephanie. Jussi and I were happy to introduce this little-known Australian rock outfit to our French companion. Stephanie dug thier sound, but immediately vetoed the Ramones, who she thinks are "too basic". Ha.
Running into my friend Berni, whom I climbed with in Hampi about two months ago. Then later that day, meeting this girl Megan who was also in Hampi at the same time as us. Small world!
Kayaking around the bay of Ton Sai / Railay with Rachelle from Colorado. Apart from my day deep water soloing, it was my only time leaving the bay in four weeks.
Climbing the beautiful new sector Gibbon's Roof, off the jungle trail. Only about five or six routes have been established so far, but the area's got so much potential. It's a beautiful spot and being a steep roof, it's well-sheltered from the sun and rain. Thanks to Simon, Andy and the others for their time and effort in putting up these routes, including one soon-to-be-classic 7a.
Not getting Ton Sai tummy! I didn't get sick once during my four weeks in Thailand.
This isn't really a highlight, but it wasn't long before the reggae music that is played in 90 percent of the bars in Ton Sai starts getting really annoying. I and I love reggae music and always give thanks and praise to the almighty Jah, but I'm sorry, there's only so much I can handle before I'm jammin' something in my ears.