Day 2 : Poni Island to Nyaung Wee Island : 29th December 2014

After an early night, we had an early start and were greeted to the most beautiful vista of aquamarine clear water and green jungle cliffs meeting pure white sands. The water was very inviting and soon we were swimming and kayaking to shore to explore the beach. A local sea gypsy family was fishing near by with their one year old baby who was very non plus about being on the water.

After a bacon and eggs breakfast everyone headed back to the beach for swimming and playing in the waves, whilst the boys attempted to build a teepee out of bamboo sticks. The amount of rubbish was a little disheartening, but there couldn't be a nicer way to start a Monday morning. The boys enjoyed being dragged along the side of the dinghy back to the boat, and then sitting in the dinghy behind the boat consuming chips.

We then headed across to another island Nyaung Wee where we went on shore to visit a small local fishing village. The village consisted of wooden and grass huts most being shops catering for the passing fisherman. Squid were being dried out in the sun and a water raft, with a pipe from the local spring on the island providing fresh water to the boats as well. The people were very friendly offering watermelon and wanting photos taken. They took a particular liking to Chris with lots of photos being taken with him and the girls.

After the village we had another fabulous 3 course meal before mooring near another nearby island. The wind had picked up but we still decided to go for a snorkel, despite it being a bit rough. Visibility wasn't great and there wasn't a huge amount of fish and coral so the swim didn't last long. We headed back to the boat, acquired shoes and headed to another island for a jungle walk. This proved to be a small walk from one side of the island to the other. Another beautiful beach with lots of shells, bottles and to Sarah's delight a fishing boat globe. We met a group of older Australians who were aboard an Intrepid catermeran which we were at a bit of a loss as to how they all fitted in and we all agreed we preferred to be on the sea gypsy.

Back on the boat we headed to see a new resort being built by one of the senior military personnel who had managed to get permission to build. It appears that a lot of the islands we are visiting are been sold off for the establishment of resorts which is sad. We are lucky to be seeing this place as it is now so unpopulated and untouched. The resort has a magnificent pier with 14 large but not necessarily attractive villas being built. Progress seems to be slow. The highlight for the kids was 3 gorgeous pups.

We then headed to our night mooring again near a beautiful beach and bay. We were visited by a couple of boats of sea gypsies who were heading into shore for the night and looking for food. The wind picked up again and another fabulous 3 course meal of coconut soup, fried pork, stir fried chicken and asparagus and prawns was served and consumed incredibly quickly. It's great to see the kids enjoying the food.

Another incredible sunset, and another early night for all. Fishing boats were lighting up the skyline as we all drifted off.

Location:Myeik Archipelago