Water

Sunday's theme was water. There aren't many pictures to share due to reasons that will become obvious.  After a breakfast of Balinese fruit, fried noodles, and traditional dishes, we climbed into our vans and headed out. Our destination - the Ayung river - for two hours of white water rafting. Suited up with life vests and helmets, we descended 500 steps into a deep gorge. Our rafts were already to go. My phone/camera remained in the van. It's supposed to be waterproof, but this was not the time to test that claim.

The river ran swiftly, but not dangerously so. Sections with scattered rocks added a bit of excitement and an occasional dousing. Our guide told us when to paddle either forward or backward. He ensured that we enjoyed nearby waterfalls thoroughly. At one waterfall, several of us got out to experience a waterfall shoulder massage. Some splashing of our companions in the other raft occurred, but they started it.

As we floated down the river, we saw perched on each side of the gorge spectacularly placed resort buildings - both large main buildings and small bungalows. Some of the resorts had carved Balinese images into the rock walls along the banks. Forms of wildlife included different types of birds and a couple monitor lizards. Our guide would stop us occasionally and get all excited when he found a coconut to take home to his wife. He has been guiding trips down the river for 20 years. Toward the calmer end of the float, there was a narrow section with a sandy bottom where we were invited to jump out and float down to lunch. The whole experience of the jungle from the river was incredible - a great way to leave the congestion of the city behind and drink in the beauty of Bali.

After lunch on the riverbank, we were ready to ride. A short van shuttle brought us to our awaiting bikes. Not 5 minutes later, the sky let loose. We think about 2-3 inches of rain fell in a half hour. The canal ditches along the roadside quickly filled up and water covered the road in places. We bunched up under the vans' tailgates and watched the rain. Our guides passed out ponchos, and then we were on our way. Riding in the rain was a new experience, riding in the rain in a poncho added extra novelty, but it soon became comfortable and we were spinning past rice fields and somewhat curious natives. 

The rain stopped after a little while and we shucked the ponchos. The sun quickly warmed us again - a little exertion added some warmth as well. Here are a couple pictures of the terraced rice fields that we passed.