Limestone domes were plentiful but the landings were deceiving- a snorkel mask was needed to make sure if you were inclined to climb up a ways and jump off you wouldn't bottom out on the coral. Some of these domes have bolted rock routes on them, but I learned that it is a good idea to be away from them in the event of a thunderstorm (Our climbing team all got struck by lightning-a bolt hit the top of the dome and traveled down through it. We got just enough juice to hear bells ringing)
Betsy and Emily are water girls and were nice enough to let me tag along as we explored the small islands near Railay for both interesting animals and a deep water solo rock climbing.

Fortunately Betsy and I are not used to being pampered, so sealing ourselves in mosquito nets and dodging cockroaches added to the novelty of it all. The monkeys were a big source of entertainment for me, as they were last time. This time though there was a pet monkey taken in by a Thai boatman who kept it on a leash tied to a tree by the beach. Once I saw it I had to go play with it, ignoring my feeling that it waasn't a good idea. When I got close enough it jumped on me and crawled over my face and promptly bit me on both sides of my neck, breaking the skin. Fortunately there aren't any diseases I can catch from a wild monkey bite. Well, there are, but the odds are low. My veterinarian sister-in-law tells me I can stop worrying after six months.