Lombok

9/20/2007
Teluk Awang (Awang Bay), Lombok
Ekas surf break
coordinates 08.53.158S,116.26.604E

After departing Periscopes in East Sumbawa we had some distance to cover to make it too the next anchorage. We tried our luck by stopping at Scar reef, another potential surf spot in west Sumbawa approx. 110 miles away. The surf wasn't running there which actually worked out well as we had to deal with our anchor. The salt water environment is rough on everything including the anchor chain. Over time it had eroded enough of the links that they wouldn't hold well in our windless, which is the
electric wench that pulls up the anchor from it's depths. We ended up drifting, intentionally, in the bay while we hauled all 300 feet of chain up onto the deck and changed it out end for end, so the fresh links were now the first to hit the water. While it is on deck you have to measure it out and place markers every 20 feet so that you have a visual when you are setting the anchor to know just how much you have let out. Task done, on to find more surfing.

Ekas, Lombok
It just gets better and better. Though this bay wasn't much to look at, it was peaceful and serene with the most ideal waves for all involved yet! Everyone had the best time there and making great strides in their skill, confidence and most importantly all out fun. Four days there and the swell died out. Unfortunately we are on borrowed time while we try to get to Bali and renew our Visa's for another 30 days, we headed on as well.

Gerupuk was the next bay on the stop. Largely an Asian vacation destination it is home to Lauken resort. 6 small and stylish bungalows, complete with a pool, any of which can be yours for 2 weeks $550, all transportation and needs met. The town itself is terribly run down though the guide books say that it is much improved after the start of seaweed farming here. Which reminds me of just what a mine field of seaweed beds we had to dodge and weave around to get into the protected bay. We had
a very nice time here with some great surfing as well but a bit crowded and we had become spoiled with waves all to ourselves. On shore we met Matt, a local with an adorable wife and daughter Lina and Lira. He took us under his wing and arranged for us to go to the local market in Kuta. We purchased some great pottery, local woven hats and some beautiful hand made ikat blankets or sarongs from Matt's family.

Blongas Bay just 23 miles down the road we discovered what we have renamed Beggars Bay. As soon as we were anchored and the fishermen began to come in or head out to fish, they descended upon and surrounded each boat one at a time. We had 10 outriggers around us at one time. What we had never seen before was local that weren't here to trade, they just wanted hand outs and were then choosy about what they received. Even upon receiving gifts they wouldn't necessarily leave, just hang on to the
boat and not talk. At 6 am Bruce rolled out of bed and there they were already, hanging onto the back and staring down into the cabin. One night here and we were on our way.

We had a quick stop at Nusa Cenida or Lembogan which is just across the bay from the island of Bali itself. It helped to ease us back into the crazy pace of big city life again as we were surrounded by recreational water crafts and mini cruise ships. They even have giant floating water slide parks. On shore it was a bit more peaceful. Hindu is the main religion here and we were just beginning to be introduced to the wonderful offerings of flowers, foods and incense that are left everywhere many
times a day to appease the spirits. The aromatic imprint that Bali provides between sandalwood, cloves and fragapani will stick with us forever.

It was also in Lembogan that we got our first true taste of just how amazingly strong those women are who carry the baskets of good on their head. No matter the items to be couried around, flowers, veggies, melons, potatoes, they dutifully raise the basket to their head and deliver. We were at a market when one gal brought by the days goods to sell and it took some help to lift it off her head. Kelly boy and Bruce decided to investigate the weight of the basket and at first attempt it took them
by surprise at just how heavy it was. The baskets themselves though only woven reeds, have to be at least 3 feet across so you can imagine just how much stuff you can fill it with. We figure it had to be 50 - 70 lbs. Yikes!!! We are sure we have found only one of many ways to measure the strength of the people of this beautiful land.
until next time,
your Ohana Kai crew