Recovery Days

November 17, 18, 19, 20 2016

After returning from our trekking in Rinjani we took a few days to unwind near the beach town of Sengiggi.  We took some time to rest and decide on our next direction of travel.  We also took a day to go diving at one of the famous little Gili Islands.

To Mt. Rinjani

November 14,15,16, 2016
Gunung Rinjani (3726 Meters)

When loosely planning for this trip, and seeing how diverse the topography of Indonesia is, we said to ourselves it we should also visit a tall volcano; as well as beaches, and jungles.  We passed by the opportunity in Java and Bali, but decided we should try for the volcano trek in Lombok.  We were planning to contact some trekking companies while we were hanging out at the beach. Instead, after we were approached at the ferry port upon arrival and offered a fair price for a longer trek at this slower season.  Well, change of plans!  It's good to remain flexible.

We were whisked by taxi up to the small town of Senaru where the Lenk Trekking has its base and put up for the night in a simple but clean bungalow.  The next morning we met our guide and the eight other trekkers in our party.  Next we were shuttled to the neighboring town to start the 37 km (23 mile),  3 day summit- crater loop.  (Total ascent: 3146 m (10,321 ft) Total descent: 3596 m (11, 798 ft.)

We backpack some at home in Colorado, but we were still thoroughly humbled by the the humidity, quick elevation gain from sea level, and the often rough trail.  

We significantly slimmed down our travel packs and trusted the 5 porters to carrying the provisions, extra water, tents, sleeping bags, and (minimalist) pads. At the beginning of the trip each porter carries approximately 30 kilos of gear, balanced over a shoulder on the ends of a wood or bamboo pole.  They walk the entire loop in simple flip flops with smiles on their faces.

The Sembalun Lawang approach, which is closer to the summit, begins in high grasslands reminiscent of lush volcanoes images in Hawaii.

At meal breaks we are often joined by troops of Long-tailed Grey Macaque monkeys looking for leftovers. 

About half way up to the rim of the volcano, we enter into mixed conifer forest. 

Near the rim, where we would camp for the night, the trees thinned to high chaparral, and the air cooled. 

We (mostly the porters) set up camp, and ate a hearty coconut green curry for dinner as we watched the "super moon" rise above the clouds below.  We turned in early in anticipation of our 2 a.m. wake up for the summit climb.

The climb up to the summit along the ridge is entertaining because much of the walking is in loose volcanic sand and cinders.

The air was chilly.  The moon was bright enough to light our path.

Back down at the the base camps along the rim, etc.  the human / tourist impact is undeniable.  The areas are strewn with litter, empty butane stove canisters and waste.  We are very disturbed seeing this at a National Park, but also must own it because it is a side effect of tourism in this remote area.  (We believe our porters carried out all of the non compostable waste from our party.)

After a longer breakfast we broke camp and began the steep climb down to the lake in the caldera.The trails are eroded from rain and heavy use.  Occasionally, in more exposed areas we saw the remnants of hand rails and other park infrastructure.  Remnants!

Near the drainage for the lake is a nice hot springs pool for soaking with a waterfall.

After lunch we started the climb out to our second camp along the rim.

On the way out the next day we got to glimpse Ebony leaf monkeys in the jungle canopy. The Senaru side (which hosts more days walks) tended to be more free of litter and had identification signs posted on many of the larger trees.

After leaving the park the journey passed through shade grown coffee,  banana, and cocoa bean farms.  Exausted we arrived back in Senaru to our trekking center which overlooks rice paddys.

Another Beach Day then a travel day

November 12, 2016
Padang Bai, Bali
We took a rest day at the pleasent little ferry port town of Padang Bai.

Our accomodation looked like a modern take on a classic Balinese mansion. 

A 15 minute walk to the north brought us to Blue Lagoon Beach where we enjoyed good snorkeling and our first wild monkey sighting.

A 15 minute walk over a beach head to the south brought us to a White Sand Beach, complete with a small Thailand style beach dance party.

The next day we got on a slow ferry for a 5-6 hour sail East over to the island of Lombok.

Bamboo!

November 11, 2016

Abiansemal, Bali
Today we visited the Green (montesory style) School, a bamboo lumber and furnitature factory, and a collection of modern luxury bamboo homes at "bamboo village."  These projects are a group of work by jewerly designer John Hardy.  The homes were designed by Ibuku luxury bamboo design.

"Heart of the School" - Green School

Bridge to the neighboring Balinese Village - Green School

Mud Play Pit - Green School

River & Hydro-electric turbine - Green School

In partnership with the local community, Ibuku provides local farmers with bamboo seedlings that in approximatly 5 years will be suitable for purchase by Ibuku for use in buildings.  At this factory they carefully select, grade, dry, treat and process bamboo from partner farmers.

Bamboo waiting to be processed

Luxury Homes for Rent $350 per night with modern conveniences.

 A 6 story bamboo home, not for rent.

Bamboo railings & screen walls with banana leaf paper.

Rice paddys abound!

Dinner Cap Cay (red): Sauted veggitables in a rich tomato broth (with Shrimp), side of rice & fried egg, fresh sambal (chili & radish).