Flying High

"Pelan-pelan" (slowly) is the only way to paddle past vast islands, endless reefs

and thousands of kilometres of water. What took us nearly two months to paddle shot past "cepat" (quickly) in just a couple of hours under the wings of the small plane

that zoomed us back to Bali. Massive volcanic peaks that had taken days to paddle around flicked past the small windows of the plane while the tiny white, black, pink, brown and grey beaches that have been our home for so long seemed so familiar even from 16000 feet. Bays, islands, beaches and mountains all had names in my head as I rapidly retraced our steps across this beautiful landscape. Our boats are still waiting back in Larantuka for us to return, hopefully with a few new stamps in our passports and permission to stay a little longer in Indonesia. We'll have a little time out over the next couple of weeks while we spend some time with family, exploring other parts of the archipelago. After just a few days of busses, ojeks (motorbike taxis), taxis and hotels I am missing the simplicity of the kayaks, the tent, the hammocks in the sun and I am looking forward to keeping this adventure rolling. I am however, enjoying the feeling of good food at every meal, and no instant noodles in sight! Photos:

1. The balmy calm that flattens the ocean before a headwind kicks in.

2. Beach Camp - A typical camp and a beautiful sunset on an island near Riung, Flores.

3. Lain paddling through a magical stretch of limestone coast in western Flores.

4. Happy days - On the water for another spectacular sunrise.

5. Chatting with a mangrove fisherman on his punt.

6. Paddling through the crystal water of Flores.

7. Juz, struggling to appreciate the beauty of this spot just seconds before leaping in for another 'royal flush'.

8. Kayorkelling - 'snorkelling' with no need for a mask, from a kayak.

9. The stunning coast just east of Sindeh Bay. 10. The kind of smile that comes after a couple of rest days in paradise. 11. Our cave camp, a cool and quiet spot to rest through the heat of the day, and the heat of the night.