But there is definitely something to lakes. The peaceful over turning of a warm breeze along the contour of your body, brushing the space between the hair on your head and the space 'tween your toes. The guarding peaks of hills and mounds that ensure a natural privacy. The water I came to see. Swim around it or just soak your feet. Lakes invite the ardent swimmer and compels even the drowning bafoon to chance a new attempt. Anyway you choose to look at it, there's just something relaxing about about natural lakes.
Here are two lakes I've recently visited. First up, lake Maninjau.
Crystal clear without feeling crystal cold. The water here, and the next lake as well, is warmed by the molten mush of rock and earth only a few layers under the surface. Note the road on the right; it is one of forty-four sharp, blind turn descents on the way down to the lake. The route is popular with cyclists actually, enough to earn the ride a spot in this years Tour de Singkarak.
(TourDeSingkarak.com) What a bunch of cheaters! Full carbon frame bikes, slick tires, no luggage...where's the steel?! Where's the grueling grimace of having to carry and extra 40 kilos up hill?! But in all seriousness, these guys are pros.
As a bonus, many of the roads along our travels the last few days have conveniently coincided with the Tour's route. Newly paved roads, slick turns, no pot holes...ahh, a third world touring cyclist could get used to this.
Down the road by the lake, you too can enjoy this beach side bungalow and hammock - if you can afford the three dollar a night price tag.
After a long twisty descent, and after a little praying that you survive, you'll want to take rest at the local waterfront cafe like we did.
Enjoy a shot of sugar with your coffee...
...and stay up late with the friendly neighborhood watch dogs.
We could only spend one night here since we are officially on the clock now. Our Indonesian visas will expire on June 5th. We needed to enjoy the lake, as well as the laborious climb back up the forty-four turns, quickly to carry on. On to lake Toba.
Lake Toba is the largest volcanic lake in the World. The lake is also credited with the ash-tonishing distinction of being the largest known explosive eruption on Earth in the last twenty-five million years. Makes Vesuvius look like a third grade baking powder and vinegar science experiment. Up for a swim?
Time to dig out the swimming trunks and take a dip in some History. I'll be back soon with an Indonesian farewell post, down to under a week till visa expiration!
Love,
-A
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