Farewells and reunions – it’s life – Salty tales from Bali Hai on Sunday

Life is full of sad farewells but also many – and often unexpected – happy reunions. It was with a tinge of sadness that we spent our last few days with the crew of Yantara after four months of travelling together before they headed to Rebak Island Marina to prepare their boat for a few weeks break in Sydney, Australia. But then we were surprised and delighted to hear that my former work colleague and great friend was joining the crew of Bali Hai for a week.

Dawn breaks over Langkawi

Back in one of our favourite places – Telaga Harbour

We had been sailing with Yantara as a buddy boat for exactly four months and enjoyed too many wonderful moments to count, had several dramas and boat repairs, seen some magnificent sights, visited many deserted islands, delighted in meeting islanders who had rarely experienced visiting yachts, witnessed breathtaking sunsets and sunrises and relished many a convivial meal and of course, sundowners galore.

Telaga sunsets are hard to beat

Been past Kapal Layar Seafood restaurant with a boat on its roof many times and finally got to have a meal there

A lovely meal with the crew of Yantara at Kapal Layar

Yantara at anchor in the fisherman’s anchorage not far from Cenang Beach

Farewell Yantara

But then fate sent our lovely friend from Brisbane and we had a perfect week together. The weather – which had been decidedly off the previous week with rain, high winds and choppy seas – was brilliant for the whole of her stay.

The weather for the entire week our friend stayed

We stopped in some of the prettiest anchorages in Langkawi, visited deserted beaches and nearly had our bag stolen by a clever monkey, swam off the back of the boat, ate delicious meals in Telaga Harbour and other restaurants, had acupuncture treatments and massages, were serenaded by an Australian band on jet skis, and had lots of long chats over a wine or two.