Lombok and the Gili Islands: Paradise Found or Paradise Lost?

Looks idilic doesn't it! Beware it's not what it appears.

Quite a few years have passed since we visited Indonesia and the prospect of a quiet relaxing holiday, away from it all, certainly appealed. I had memories of the Caribbean Islands I'd visited in the 80's, with beautiful beaches, sun and of course rum cocktails.

Well part of the holiday went to plan and I have to say that the trip to Senggigi on Lombok was easy. We stayed at the Sheraton Hotel, which was as one would expect, to a high standard of service and facilities.  Things started to go down hill after the taxi trip to the port for Gili Air and the serenity of Senggigi was replaced with the hustle and stress of the Gili Islands transport system, of lack of it.

Leaving the "ferry" on Gili Air, so much room, not!

Many friends have raved about the Gili Islands, there are three islands, and we chose Gili Air as it was a non party island. To say I was disappointed with what we found would be an understatement. What is it about some destinations? How can you ruin a pretty island? Well they have managed to do just that, and I suppose to some extent, we as tourists seeking that "get away from it" destination are too blame. We want the remoteness and scenery, but also the bars, restaurants and all mod cons!

Our accommodation was in a lovely looking, but lethally designed, local styled hut. The stair case to the first floor and bedroom alone was a death trap.

I think the one thing that shattered the dream was the Duff Duff music, so much for a quiet island. One day the music from the Paradiso bar ( several hundred metres away) started at 4:00 pm and didn't finish until 4:00 am. So loud was the bass that the room vibrated. Do read my comments on TripAdvisor for the Sunrise Apartments, Gili Islands, Lombok, and if you're thinking of visiting, be aware that this area is not quiet!

All was not lost, we did enjoy a pleasant day snorkelling around all the islands. A trip to Gili Meno did show what it could be like if you don't over develop. As far as Gili Twenggan is concerned, it is as grubby and as bad as where we were staying.

Of course no visit to Indonesia would be complete without a dose of Bali Belly and I spent a number of days incapacitated.

So it was with some relief that we decided to evacuate from the islands and headed back to Senggigi. The Senggigi Beach Resort provided a very pleasant escape for a few days to recuperate and at $5.00 extra to what we had paid on the island, provided a fantastic view and accommodation. Do read the TripAdvisor report, it is a great place.

Our Table in the Restaurant Overlooking the Gardens an Beach.

I was so pleased to be heading home and thanks to the Sheraton Group, we were able to enjoy the facilities of their lounge at the airport and enjoy a pleasant interlude before boarding the Jet Star plane home.

Stay tuned, we're back and readying ourselves for the sea kayak trip to Denham and Dirt Hartog Island.

Doing Something Useful - For a Change!

Things have been moving quickly since I last posted.  

I have received the Australian Canoeing Sea Skills Accreditation, which was a great feeling and sense of achievement! Thanks go to all those who have assisted in the learning and up skilling process. In particular a huge thank you goes to Colin Priest for his time and patience in passing on his knowledge and skills. It has been a great privilege working with him, and his time and effort in assisting me in achieving this accreditation can not be overstated. My aim is still to work towards the Sea Guide accreditation, and I feel that it is now within my grasp!  "Oh, What A Feeling!"

Yes, I know. I've always said I'd never be involved in instruction again............ 

Most paddlers that know me will be surprised at this development.

Having spent years as an Advance Instructor with the British Sub - Aqua Club, I realised instructing wasn't all that it was cracked up to be. I'd grown tired of doing "novice dives".  So what on earth made me sign up for the Level 1, Flat Water Instructor Kayaking course?  Well, to be honest I'm not sure. Whether it was the challenge or just that for the first time in my life I've got time to do things (retired), or maybe, that Gill had completed the course recently and had been enthusiastic about it.

Anyway, early on Monday morning I found myself sitting having coffee at Kathy's cafe at Ascot, awaiting the start of the Instructors Course. 

The wise Jerry Alderton, and budding Instructors Helen, Ben, Sandy & Jamie

For two days, I and four others, spent an enthralling time with Instructor and Assessor Jerry Alderton going through the instructors syllabus. I honestly didn't think it would be fun, but it was. I was amazed at how much knowledge I had acquired over the years. What the course did was to make me think about the most basic of strokes, as teaching others really does ensure that you do it properly. I even had to brush up my presentation skills, but it was all worthwhile.

Jerry, still smiling after two days of instructing!

Sandy in Instructor Mode.

To anyone unsure of taking part in any of the Australian Canoeing accreditation courses or skills programs, I'd can only pass on my personal experiences, which have been positive and worthwhile. Should you every need any assistance in deciding, contact Rosalie or Zac at Canoeing WA, they will assist.

Home Made Paddle Float for a Greenland Paddle.

My current inflatable paddle float is only suitable for a Euro Paddle and really doesn't work with my Greenland Paddle. This "just in case" piece of equipment is important, so I went on line and found a website, greenlandorbust.org with clear instructions and photo's on how to make a solid rubber float for my Greenland Paddle.

Not being a renowned handyman I was sceptical about making it, but by following the very clear instructions I surprised myself and achieved a perfectly working float.

Rubber cut and marked out prior to gluing.

After gluing the sheet is folded and held in place with weights until the glue has set.

The completed paddle float stitched on the glued side, with Greenland paddle inserted, ready for use.

Swan Canoe Club Broke Inlet Trip.

This years trip took place over the Australia Day Weekend and six intrepid members made the long journey south. Geoff Emery, Kerstin Beckmann, Ian Viapree, James Chapman and Gill & Geoff Palmer.

 It should be noted that Gail and Colin Priest were unable to attend this year, as Gail has had an operation, their attendance was missed by all and we wish her a speedy recovery.

The water levels were low, we have been very lucky in the past few years with relatively high levels. So navigating the Inlet was not always in a straight line between two points,  as it was necessary to paddle off the route at times to find deep water. 

We all decided that Windy Corner gave the best possibility of deeper water paddling and we were soon making our way to the the campsite and had everything set up by late afternoon. There was even time for Geoff E and James to have a leisurely  paddle to Shannon Island and back, or maybe it was a time trial?

The weather forecast was very favourable to us for the trip, with mainly light to gentle breezes predicted.  However, we were perfectly positioned for the last day, even if the wind did increase, we could even walk the kayaks back to Camfield where we had launched, the water level was that low.

Our first trip was to Clarke Island, always a popular campsite, but this year the low level made the approach hard work and eventually most paddlers opted for the walking option. Many of us decided to walk and tow our kayaks to Bald Island and one of the party even continued walking to Birthday Beach, just so he could say he had done it! Maybe not the first to walk between the islands, but a novel experience even so!

        Gill & Ian Walking From Clarke Island to Bald Island. Water Levels Were Low This Year!

It was a very hot day, and with little wind for relief, plus shallow water to paddle in, the conditions soon took their toll. We all met at Coal Point, before paddling to the River Mouth, but half of the party decided that enough was enough and went straight back to the camp. They were the sensible ones. The two Geoff's and James continued on to the the sea, and then the long slog back in hot conditions and shallow water. Of course, James and Geoff E weren't racing, but it was amusing watching them sneak looks at each other, and increase their paddle rate when the other wasn't looking..........

We all rested for the remainder of the afternoon in our saunas/tents, as the wind was calm and the heat high. Geoff E emerged at regular intervals to cool off.

The party split for the next paddle, with Gill, Kerstin and Ian heading for the River Mouth and the two Geoff's and James for the Shannon River. Both groups had a good morning paddle, the trip to the sea went well and Gill and Ian swam in the sea before returning. The Shannon River trip was a pleasant surf virtually the whole way, with the wind behind us. Navigation was the key to finding the hard to see entrance of the river and 318 degrees will forever be etched into our minds, as this is the course required from Shannon Island.

With good water in the river we soon made the campsite where the river splits in two, and had morning tea, mainly devouring Geoff E's fruit cake which was delicious. We were wary of the wind conditions as we approached the Inlet for the return paddle to Windy Corner, but to our delight, the conditions had eased to a gentle breeze, but with strong gusts. The competitive element eventually took over with James taking right bank and the two Geoff's staying centre channel, and Geoff E and James were soon pacing each other again - not that they are competitive!

On two occasions over the weekend, we were impressed with James's attention to the welfare of wildlife on the Inlet. Firstly,  with the Emu's we sighted in the Cut to the River Mouth, where he steered us away, as we may have frightened them. Secondly,  in the Shannon River where he guided us away from a possibly injured swan. 

               The Homeward Journey Begins - But Which Way Is Home?

This trip is not just about the paddling, it is also a real get away from it weekend. Each paddler has to take their own water, food and equipment, as we leave the cars behind and pack everything into our kayaks, which makes it something special.

The company made the weekend one to remember. Thank you to my fellow paddlers for a very enjoyable time

Day Paddle to Nornalup

Andy Relaxing!

We are down South at Walpole, camping at Coalmine Beach.
Yesterday was blown out so we were on the water early today to take advantage of the lull in the weather.
A steady paddle up the Franklin River to Nornalup it's self and back.
We were hopeful the little cafe had reopened so we could all have our caffeine fix for the morning, but regrettably it is still closed, so we had to make do with water and muesli bars....... A poor second!

 

We had an enjoyable paddle home and some good surfing in a strengthening wind.

Just Another Day In Paradise ............

There are some days that are just .... Well, sublime!  

The Friday Paddle group headed off to Penguin Island this week, and although we were few in number, we had a great paddle.  With a moderate to fresh offshore breeze, the sea conditions were flat. The temperature reached 33 degrees C and the water must have been 20 degrees C.  

Summer is here already.

    Photo courtesy of Graeme Guerney: Geoff off Bird Island.

    Photo courtesy of Graeme Guerney:Magnificent rock formations.

    Photo courtesy of Graeme Guerney: Graham Place heading to the Garden Island bridge

    Photo courtesy of Graeme Guerney: John at Penguin Island.

We paddled along the coast to Point Peron and through the rock garden, which at low tide was quite benign, but very enjoyable.

A good push into the wind and sea to Penguin Island saw us stopping for a munchies break at the south end of the Island.  

The wind had eases somewhat and the paddle back to our starting point was very relaxed.

There are some of our group that roll at the end of each Friday paddle and on this occasion all four of us spent time practising.  Now, Graham Place is the only one of us who's roll could be described as bomb proof, but the rest of us are "reasonable" and keep practising.  One day it will get easier, won't it?

Thanks go to Graeme Gurney for his photographs, and of course he doesn't feature as he was taking the pictures. Also, for his weekly trip reports that he sends via email. They are always well written, entertaining and eagerly awaited by all on Friday evenings. Should he have ever had any doubt as to how much his work is appreciated, the report didn't appear last week (processing error) and everyone was phoning and emailing to find out why. I had to search through all my trash and folders thinking I'd misplaced the report.  Well done, you've got a job for life....... Shame there's no salary with it!

The New Towline and Modifications.

    The PeakUK Towline Out Of The Bag (Promotional Photo)

I decided that it was time for a proper towline, the one I had been using had been cobbled together using an old dive belt, a line from Bunnings, an old fishing float and a net bag to hold the line from Kathmandu. It worked but wasn't very user friendly and in a proper emergency it probably would snag and be clumsy to use.

So time to find a proper one!  I had a look on the internet and of course could have saved my time and gone straight to Expedition Kayaks, where there was a genuine choice of several leading brands. In the end I chose the PeakUK towline, a brand that EK have just started to stock and has a good reputation for quality. 

When I took delivery of the Valley Etain there were two complimentory Sea Kayaking DVD's included from Valley ( Thanks by the way!) by Gordon Brown. I will post a review later, but they are well worth watching. One item was about towlines and made a lot of sense. So I set about modifying the rig to make it even more user friendly.

The first thing was to untie the knots at the carabiner end of the line and move the float about a boats length down the line. This stops it snagging in the deck lines on the towed kayak and facilitates a free run when the carabiner is released.

Secondly, at the carabiner I sewed the line together with needle and whipping twine and then whipped it so that the end was smooth and again snag free.

Thirdly, I daisy chained the line from the bag end to close to the float and secured it with the spare carabiner (provided).

I can use the line daisy chained for short tows, particularly into the wind or sea, where the towed kayak will be reasonably close behind.

Should I be towing down wind or with the sea, then I will undo the daisy chain and use the full 15 metres of line, to ensure that the towed kayak doesn't run into the back of me.