Fishing Tales & Other Paddling Lies

Ko Tarutao National Park

The sea is a tempestuous mistress.  One minute, she is calm, welcoming and making you feel as though there is no other place as perfect, no relationship any better and completely comfortable and loved.  The next minute, a howling wind starts to blow and waves kick up, crashing over the deck and spraying everywhere.  Add some current to the situation and things can get crazy.

But such is the nature of my mistress: from relaxed to raging like the flip of a switch.  Any reference here to similarities with a woman would be met with scores of criticism, so I will not include such chauvinist suggestions.  But I love my mistress, even in times of distress and I know that if I am patient and thoughtful, I will make it through unscathed and our relationship will be strengthened.

A variety of conditions characterized the "Border to Border" trip.  For example, although the water was calm heading to Kapoe, the current was very strong and what should have been a simple paddle took twice the estimated time.  The Great Crash of 2010 is another example of what happens when the sea is rolling.  New Year's Day, from Ko Nakha Yai to Ko Phanak, a simple 16km paddle into a strong headwind and against an outgoing tide - turned into a six hour crossing.  There were also several days when the sea was flat, the wind calm and there was nothing but smooth paddling ahead.  My mistress was smiling at me.  The ever-changing conditions are part of the excitement of a paddling trip.

As unpredictable as the sea may be, I have grown to respect, love and appreciate her for herself.  This should be the basis of any relationship. 

And as with any relationship, there are always power struggles: who is in charge.  Take my final day at sea, for example, a 20km crossing from Ko Tarutao to Pak Bara.  I hoped for calm but received a 30km wind and large seas.  My mistress reminded me once again the she is the boss and I am at her mercy.  And so it shall be.