Bali, Part 3
Day 8, January 5
Rise and shine at 1:30am! We had to meet our driver down in the lobby at 2am to take us to the Mount Batur, the active volcano we were hiking up. Once we rounded up all the hikers we set out for the hour drive. We stopped a little more than half way and had “breakfast” at 3am. They called it banana pancakes but it was more just a crepe with banana and chocolate sauce drizzled on it. It was very good but not that filling.
3am selfie
We continued on and got to the parking lot where our 2 guides gave us all flash lights because we would be hiking in the dark. I didn’t think this would be as hard as it was. I kept getting dizzy from looking down the whole time to make sure I didn’t trip over a rock.
The distance was only 5k but it was straight up at times with big bolder like rocks that were hard to climb over. We had 2 stragglers in our group, not us thankfully, so we had to stop more frequently that I would have liked. I was anxious to get up to the top to set up my GoPro for the sunrise.
The hike was challenging but just when your butt and legs would be burning, it would kind of level off. What is crazy though, is we saw some guides hiking it in just flip flops.
We finally got to the top and I had to hurry and set my camera up. I got a pretty good timelapse video of the sunrise and some really breath taking pictures.
The Sisters Payne climb a volcano
I love Bali this much
They fed us another breakfast that was a banana sandwich and a hard boiled egg. But we both fed our food to the stray dogs that live up there with the monkeys. The monkeys are little savages and so I feel like they steal enough of the food so I wanted to give mine to the dogs.
They were everywhere (we even saw one unscrew a water bottle)
Monkey enjoys a good sunrise too
The guides showed us around the volcano where the smoke was coming out. Then they showed us a cave before heading back down.
Smoke from the volcano (the last time it erupted was in 2000)
I was really nervous for the decent because I tend to slide down every hill/mountain I hike no matter what the incline. Luckily I did ok. My sister on the other hand had a few Bambi moments where her legs just gave out (her words, not mine). Momma, if you are reading this we are both ok.
View from the bottom
Then it was back in the van for the hour ride back into town. We all dozed off at times throughout the ride.
Pretty rice fields in the background
We finally made it back around 10 and had breakfast at our place. Then we went and had another massage but this time I added a green tea scrub.
After showering all the green tea stuff off in a cold shower because our electricity went out so there was no hot water, we went to lunch at our favorite place. I tried the strawberry juice and some chicken dish. Both were really good.
The chicken is in the banana leaf
At that point it was around 4pm. My sister was tired so she went back to the room to nap but I decided I wanted to go walk around. So Taryn and I went down to a little vendor and bought more of the awesome and super comfy pants. She had seen a cute little coffee shop earlier in the day so we went and had some coffee.
Spiced soy latte & that stuff to the left that looks like bacon bits is the sugar
After that I had to call it a day. My body was sore and I needed to get off my feet.
Jeff Montero
January 8, 2017
Omg – what amazing photos, looks like an incredible day!
Jillian
January 9, 2017
Thanks Jeff!! I loved Bali so much. Off to the Philippines!
Sarah Brockway (Johnson)
January 8, 2017
I am LIVING for these updates!!! Everything looks amazing. I cracked up laughing at the monkey pics! The bungalow and infinity pool look so relaxing! Can’t wait for the next update.
Jillian
January 9, 2017
Thanks Sarah!!! We were so scared with the monkeys. They steal everything not secured. My sister told me y’all are expecting. Congratulations!! More blog updates coming soon…once I can get good wifi.
Sarah Brockway (Johnson)
January 9, 2017
Thank you!!! We are pretty thrilled. You guys are living the dream though. Exploring, making memories, holding scary ass monkeys on you shoulder!!!!! What a way to bring in 2017 and what an awesome life experience!!!! Can’t wait for the next update!
Don Hostler
January 12, 2017
What an amazing day! (I better get to work- LOL).
Jillian
January 13, 2017
Thank you, Don! We had a blast that day. Don’t work too hard!!