13 November Mingalar Boutique Hotel, Kawthaung, Myanmar
Partly cloudy and
hazy. Light breezes in morning, then headwind last part to lighthouse. 28km Muesli,
yogurt, tea breakfast in room. Paddled with Oui. Lovely morning on water the 2km
back to Kraburi River, then downstream at high tide. Paddled thru mangroves then
a little beach on Ko Khwang, the first of several uninhabited islands of Lamnam
Kra Buri National Park. Channel now very wide. Passed by a tiny rocky island covered
in shells. But put to shore to stretch legs. Egg fried rice packed lunch on the
water. Current decreased, leaving long tiring paddle to Lighthouse. Passed widely
spaced piers of Ranong port with mostly Myanmar coastal traders berthed. Also ship
from Zanzibar and clusters of wooden Thai fishing boats. Everyone very tired upon
arrival at Lighthouse, immigration mainly for casino in Myanmar. Tower closed to
climbing. Chris decided to take motor boats to and from Kawthaung. Truck carried
us and kayaks to nearby B.C. Badin Resort. Then a long drive through Ranong to passenger
pier, then very long wait from Thai immigration for Mathilda to print onward ticket
and Oui to get paperwork. Finally we took a boat to Kawthaung with 2 stops. Immigration
in Kawthaung took 500b and kept passports. Car from Mingalar Boutique Hotel &
Restaurant took us up hillside to very nice rooms and views from restaurant. I had
a spicy asparagus mushroom and French fries with an orange juice.