Gearing up for the next step

The proud owner of a new bike! Bought at the local market and kitted out with a rear wire tray, a totally hip basket and one of the comfiest seats I've had the pleasure of sitting on. The seat came about after I spent 10mins on the original one and was in pain. Sunday, I head out. Laos visa, check. Go to 'Sunny Internet Cafe' (along the river), email - choubchansamantha@yahoo.com, to get your visa done, $34 which is cheaper than the embassy. The ladies there are absolutely lovely and speak fluent English. I'm strapping my bags to the bike on Sunday and riding towards Kampong Cham in search of 'No More Monks Rock'. About 50km towards KC from PP. Will ride till tired, starting early, then hitch the rest of the way with my trusty phrase book. This shall be interesting.... Check back in on Tuesday to see how successful this was....Plan B - ride till too hot, ride when cool in the afternoon, by then I should get to the climbing spot. Too tired to go on, I will string up my hammock then climb in the morning = foolproof...Right? Now the fun begins :D

Bali has rock!

 

Padang Padang beach, know for it's amazing breaks and beautiful beaches! Also a cool spot for climbing :D Found a short crag, about 12m high 40m long, in the shade from 10. 6 bolted routes, the local who told me about them couldn't tell me what grades they were but I know they use the french system. I got to the spot too late on the first day, the locals were just packing up so I didn't get a chance to have a lead. Did some bouldering though, nice an tough, all sloping. Found a couple of good problems ranging from V2 to V7 but it's really a case of pick and choose. Apparently the was more climbing further south which you had to pay to use but I ran out of time to check it out.


                                                               

Being Prepared

22kgs, the combined weight of the 2 bags I had to take with me, one more than I wanted to. Ended up having to buy a 30L pack just so I could take my climbing shoes and clothes. Four months climbing on limestone is set to wear away my shoes, I've been told, and I don't want to end up climbing in thongs.
In Bali now, tired, sore neck from sleeping on the Darwin airport floor and am still immersed in the stress of the last 3 days - packing for overseas and to move out in 4 months. Our room smells like chemicals to keep the mozzies away, beautiful haha We plan on doing very little for a couple of days to de-stress. Going to look for rock climbing around Bali tomorrow, stay tuned, I think it exists here.... If not, I'll climb the trees.