Continued from yesterday”¦ The rapids were just the right size. They were big enough to make it a fun ride, but not so big that we ever worried about falling out or capsizing. We often twisted and turned and were splashed by waves of water coming over the raft. Occasionally, we’d crash into a rock and just bounce off and keep going. Sometimes we would get stuck on top of a rock, but with a little pushing of the paddle, we’d slide right off. Christi marveled at how well the little raft bounced and slid on the rocks, and how easily it rode over the walls of small waves that would sometimes come at us. Much more flexible and forgiving than a kayak.

About halfway through, we stopped for a rest on some rocks next to one of the biggest water falls. There were four ladies there selling cold beverages. Every day these ladies walk down an equally huge staircase at their village, walk three miles inside the rock laden river with coolers full of ice and drinks. Then at the end of the day, they walk the three miles back up the river against the rapid current with their coolers and remaining inventory, then back up that gnarly set of stairs. Wow. We think they win over the guy who climbs the crater lakes mountain every day to sell coffee and blankets.

The ride was 11 kilometers total. The length of the ride was great. Definitely long enough for you to feel like it was a worthwhile activity. Our landing spot was a small restaurant on the shore. There was a team of people waiting to collect our life jackets, paddles and helmets. They also deflated the raft. They put everything in bags and carried them up the mountain on their heads. Wow. Much to our surprise, there was a buffet lunch waiting for us in the restaurant. There was a good selection of foods and it was all surprisingly good. We were pleased.

Fortunately, the hike up wasn’t as high or steep as the hike down. It was still a long walk up a big flight of stairs, but we were walking along a terraced rice field instead of a 90 degree cliff. Unfortunately, we couldn’t enjoy the scenery as we ascended. There was a large group of hawkers waiting for us at the edge of the restaurant property. We saw them surrounding the other rafters that had headed up a few minutes before us, and could see they were the overly aggressive type that trap you between them and won’t let you move as they shove their goods in your face. We tried a new defensive strategy. We leaned over like football players ready to tackle and walked in that position, staring intently at the ground, and walking right into the people who were blocking the pathway. We walked as fast as we could up the stairs, and never stopped to rest, knowing we’d be preyed upon if we did. This new strategy worked incredibly well (except for the fact that our chests were on fire by the time we reached the top). Nobody bothered us at all beyond calling out to us. At the top we retreated to the safety of the Sobek check out point, where the touts are not allowed in. The rafters ahead of us had a mob that followed them all the way to the top, then harassed them from the edge of the property line until we piled into the van and drove off.

The fellow rafters in the van with us were going to Sanur. Hmmm”¦. We asked to be dropped off at the spa in Sanur instead of being taken back to Benoa Harbor. Just like last time, Christi walked in with the intention of getting a facial. Once again, we wound up with the couple’s full treatment package, this time substituting the aromatherapy massage for a facial. The acupressure is almost like a massage in and of itself, so we weren’t completely missing out on the massage experience. Once again, it was wonderful. Eric liked the facial a lot, which surprised Christi.

We went to dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant called The Village. The prices and service were similar to the fancy French place, Ma Joly, that we loved, but the food was only OK.