Riding the river

The Ayung River is the longest river in Bali, running 75 kilometers from Bali's northern mountain ranges to Sanur.  It is also a Class 2-3 whitewater experience and a riot of fun!  In Disney terms, a Class 3 rapid is less intense than Splash Mountain, more than Pirates of the Caribbean  (um, minus Davy Jones), and substantially wetter than either.  The Ayung has over 25 rapids in an 11-kilometer stretch and several waterfalls that we personally sampled.  It rained on us for a good portion of the trip but, as Anna observed, that was just like being in a constant waterfall from the sky.

We made a new friend, Christina, who joined us on the 6-person raft, along with our Sobek guide.  As you can see, our guide is very tall and he seemed to know every rock in the river.  He told us when to paddle, when to stop and when to hold on tight.

Sophie says the best rapid was the first one because it splashed us completely.  We all got drenched and Mom almost fell out of the raft.  But she didn't.  Anna got to oversee the entire adventure from the middle of the raft between Sophie and Dad.  She thought the best rapid was the most dangerous one because it was so fast and bumpy.  Apparently someone died in it last summer - kinda wish we knew that before getting in the raft; probably better that we didn't.  In any case, it was fun and we paddled out safely.

Mom and Dad agree that the most unexpected and lovely part of the trip were the traditional Balinese carvings right into the stone walls lining the river.  It took several artisans two years to complete about 100 meters of wall.  (Sorry, no pictures of the carvings.  We were too busy paddling.)

It was a terrific day and we were tired but exhilarated at the end.  The last of the pics are here.