Okay, the seas are now calm and I have reconfirmed the ferry off this island to Surat Thani tomorrow at noon Thailand time. From Surat Thani we catch a night train that leaves at 5:30 pm. We will arrive in Bangkok at 6:00 am on the 5th of January Thailand time.
We will go grab our passports, visas, and a pair of sandals for me since mine died on a hike I took the other day.
I have a had a lovely holiday on this island despite all the drama and disaster.
Here are a few cool memories for those that are interested:

-The sound of Thai children playing together outside.
-The tiny translucent crabs rapidly scurrying out of your way as you walk down the beach at night.
-Laying in a hammock and reading a good book.
-The salty taste of the sea water as you go in for a swim.
-The fireflies at night in the jungle... they are blue/green instead of golden orange like back home.
-Wild lantana (butterfly weed) plants growing by the side of the road. And true to its name it attracts some of the most colorful and some of the largest butterflies I have seen in the wild.
-Riding in the back of a pickup truck (an open air taxi) at night on the way to Thong Sala or Hat Rin beach. You can see the sillouette of the giant palm trees and jungle brush against a backdrop of gently rippling moonlit ocean water. Overhead, the stars glow and twinkle and, during those few precious moments when I enter my own mind, I sit there and create my own constellations.
-Fresh seafood recently plucked from the ocean.... grilled in front of you at a beach hut (makeshift) restaurant. Served on a blanket in the sand. Oh so yum.

It's been a weird few weeks here. I have met lifelong friends, I have learned a lot about myself, I have laughed and cried, I have felt utter dispair, guilt, been scared for my life, and felt extremely lucky and blessed. I have been happily drunk and painfully sober...... and happily sober and painfully drunk. :)
I leave refreshed, relaxed, happy and content.
EXCEPT for one thing. One thing that I have to do before I leave
.... it involves a machette and a coconut.
:)