Carry On Only: Beaching it in Bali

We got off the plane on arrival in Bali and within an hour we were already planning when we could come back.

I am not sure what it is, but Bali just welcomes you in and you don't want to leave.
Tropical paradise, rustic style!

So much country and culture and beauty and only two weeks to take it all in.
Since we are somewhat tired from the pace we have been keeping, plans of beaches and rest filled our heads. But on arrival, we want to do more...... and nothing at the same time......
Doesn't that just sound like an everyday dilemma. Rest & Activity!
In attempts at balance we first head off to the small island of Nusa Lembongan.
Casual everything.....!!!

So thankful for the rest as I became quite ill. With a spike in fever, intense headache and aches in every single joint I was almost beside myself. A little self pity rose up as this was the one place I had insisted on when we were making travel plans.
All I can say is God is good. I totally believe that He answered our cries and prayers. After a rough night, I was good as new and able to cry out a different prayer for help as we got back on our motorbikes for some touring of this small surfers paradise.

Blissful days. Gorgeous sunsets. Beach side. Pool side. Under the water and on the water.

We could hear the waves 150 meters up to our bungalow.... Love it!

Evening glow!

Morning sunrise in Amed.

Sunset in Nusa Lembongan

Crashing waves with sounds of thunder.

Cruising on our motorbikes, along washed out, narrow roads and over bridges to an even smaller island we have soaked in many great moments. Lunches poolside with waves crashing in. Like a
tropical version of Tofino. Watching brave surfers ride massive waves that I know would take me under in an instant and pound me to a pulp on the rough reef below. And cruising alongside the ocean edge beside white sand beaches, mangroves and little huts just calling out for a drink, a rest and a snorkel. So we answered yes, of course.

Over the bridge to who knows where. Brad taking the lead to places discovered on his early morning ride. Me willing to follow.

Not a bad way to spend a couple hours. Lunch at a discovered off the beaten path villa and resort. Quick dip in the pool.

Watching the surfers do their thing.

Off to do our thing.... Drift snorkel trip.

Absolutely Amazing!

Sea weed farming! A huge industry on Nusa Lembongan.

Coming in from our snorkel for a bite to eat and take in the quiet beachfront front!

Again... More sea weed farming....

One of many farmers as seen below.

Snorkelling! The coral here is outstanding and the fish plentiful on Nusa Lembongan and we did our first drift snorkel trip. A most relaxing experience as the boat drops you off just past the mangroves and you let the current take you along. The water continued to call us so we moved on to the east coast of Bali in a small fishing village of Amed.
Couldn't get enough of the coral. Coral that is soft pink, bright pink, sage green, lime green, artichoke green, Granny Smith green and neon green, yellow coral, brownish orange coral, bright orange coral, blue and purple coral. Fan coral, brain coral, table top coral big enough to seat my extended family for dinner to name just a few of the large variety found here just off our beach in Amed.
And we haven't even gotten to the fish yet.....
All that to say, Brad and Anna's diving and our daily snorkelling was beyond amazing.