Here's my chance to add my two cents, as it were. As Su mentioned, we're nursing our first decent sunburns, enjoying the AC, and catching up on correspondence. Finally reaching Raylei was one of those moments that you get to reminisce about for the rest of your days. After five days of intense travel, eating transient food, and not sleeping in a bed, or if we had beds, no windows...the fresh ocean breeze and spray coming over the bow of the longtail as the fiery sunset silhouetted the palm cloaked peninsula was Salvation!

Our body clocks are finally adjusted, and the heat is tolerable, if not quite enjoyable yet. We were so blissed out yesterday, that we felt invincible. Unfortunately, the sun gods scoffed at our ignorance. Raylei has four beaches, all within about 15 min of walking. Our resort is on the mangrove side, picturesque, but not ideal for swimming.Plenty of cheap restaurants, travel agents, laundry,etc.
 Ao Ton Sai is the furthest, cheapest, and has the least facilities. You can stay in a basic bamboo bungalow for 200 baht ($6.45 Can). Lots of young, broke climbers. Happy Cake at the restaurant...

Five min from our place is West Raylei, home to a beautiful sandy beach and plenty of swank resorts and restaurants taking advantage of the sunset side.

The trail to the lookout, and the lagoon, is a detour on the way to the last, best beach. Very steep, lush, and sweaty, but well worth the effort.

 Last but not least is Pranang, reputed to be one of the nicest beaches in the world. There is only one discreet 5 star hotel, miles of fine sand, jaw dropping, overhanging limestone cliffs, crystal clear water, and a scattering of lush offshore islands begging to be explored by kayak. At the base of the cliffs, sea caves beckon adventurous swimmers.

We eventually dragged ourselves back to 'our' side for a late lunch. Chicken fried rice, curry soup, coconut shake for Raven, and some ice cold Chang, all for $11 Can. The rest of the afternoon was a bit fuzzy. Raven was so tired, she couldn't even be convinced to go for dinner! To top off an unbelievably great day, I noticed the local Muay Thai school was hosting a free demonstration fight. I left the girls to sleep off the sun, and managed to grab a ringside seat for four rounds of live muay thai! That's a pretty good day. Well, on with the adventure. Until later...