Sorry for the delay, but life has a way of going on after the Bali trip is over. : )
May 14 DAY 4, Part 1
Last night we unveiled another Bali secret to the kids. We let them know that one of them would be having their special day today. After leaving them squirming in suspense for awhile, we revealed that our youngest, Wesley (9), would have the first special day. Rather than tell him what he would be doing, we let him go to bed guessing and dreaming about it. Before heading to Bali, I spent a lot of time on the internet, getting activity information and recommendations for each child's special day. While it may not be necessary to do so, I prearranged each of the special days before reaching Bali. Since Wesley is our, 'take everything to the extreme' kind of guy, I knew I'd need something a little out of the ordinary to make his day really special. He'd have liked Bungee Jumping, doing back flips on a dirt bike, feeding great white sharks, or a host of other activities designed to get a person as close as possible to death. Sorry, but as dad has gotten older, I've either acquired more brains or less courage, or better yet, a good balance of the two. I settled on a day of Quad riding in the mountains of Bali and White Water Rafting on the fastest river in Bali. The truth be told, the white water rafting was something that I have always wanted to do. Since Bali Quad had a good deal on a combination ticket, I couldn't resist.
After my good, hearty breakfast of fried noodles, watermelon juice, and toast for Wes, we were ready for the big special day. Our driver from Bali Quad was waiting for us as soon as we finished eating. He was wearing a shirt that had a picture of a Quad and the company name on it. Wes put two and two together and pretty much figured out the big secret. 'You are close son. We will be riding four-wheelers, BUT we will not be doing back flips on them, ...hopefully.'
After about an hour drive north of Ubud, we arrived at the starting point for the Quad rides. We were introduced to a nice young couple from England, who was joining us for the quad tour and WWR. Next we were warmly greeted, offered drinks, and then given the usual paperwork, for these types of activities. You know, that paperwork that basically says, 'I know this activity can be hazardous, but I'm dumb enough to do it anyhow, I take full responsibility for killing or crippling myself, I will not sue anyone associated with this company, and please contact my wife at Taman Harmun Cottages to pick up our bodies and the US $50, 000 life insurance policy, that comes complementary with this package deal.' I always hate those dumb forms, which seem to do nothing but pour cold water on the fires of excitement. While I'm filling out the death forms, the guides brought some helmets over for us to try. The regular adult helmet was too large for Wes, so they looked around for something smaller. I was busting a gut laughing when I saw, one of the two small helmet choices. It was this nerdy toy looking thing that would have made my son look like a two year old, 1980's CHIPS wannabe. All that was missing was the propeller on top. Like a good dad, I told them to give him that helmet. I'd get some great blackmail pictures. After a good laugh from everyone but Wes, he got a manlier helmet.
Once the death paper work and helmet selection had taken place, Nathan (the guy from England) and I had to do a couple rounds on the practice track. The practice track looked very much like a small motocross track, down to the many curves and old tires surrounding the track. I'm not sure what came over me, but I swear I saw a flag wave to signal the start of the race. I'm not sure if they keep records for practice track times, but if they do, I think I now hold the best time. I was sliding sideways, jumping, and pushing that poor trail riding quad to the max. I think I finished my two laps before Nathan even got in his first. The English can have their cricket, but leave the motocross to us Yanks. Ok, so now you know where my son gets his extreme attitude from. My quad was screaming 'Please give me that gentle chap from England, instead of this nut case who is determined to give his wife $50, 000 of insurance money before this day is over.' I was half expecting to be scolded for my race track antics when I was signaled to stop. Instead, the guys where like, 'Man you ride like one of those Quad racers.' It was confession time. So they didn't think I was on drugs, I explained that I really did race ATV's in my wilder days. Wes comes over with a high-five, and congratulates me for winning the race. 'Dad, you were great! You blew Nathan away!' Ok, forget the fact it was not a real race, not a real racetrack, and not a racing activity. My son thought his dad was too cool, which is all that mattered to me. 'Want to see me do a back flip? Only joking son.'
Nathan and I loaded up our gear and passengers and followed our guides, who rode on a motorcycle. The tour took us through farms, rivers, out of the way villages, remote forests, and some tremendous mountain scenic spots. I think the tour was meant to last at least two hours, but our 'extreme natures' sped the tour up a little. Wes was convinced the whole tour was a cross-country race and got a little upset every time I let Nathan pass us, in order to slow down and get some video. The words, 'Dad, please put the camera away. Nathan is getting ahead of us again' became a familiar sound from the little nut case sitting behind me. He relaxed some, when I explained that we could drive faster while catching up and might even get in a good jump or two, with enough speed. Later in the trip, I put Wes in control of the Quad, as I hung on for dear life. Crazy nut case maniac driver! I don't know where he gets it? The guides did not have a problem with this arrangement, after seeing he could handle himself. Besides that, I had my feet and hands ready at all times, to help out or take control.
In just under 2 hours, we were back at the starting point. The ride was good and my son was really happy. After cleaning up for the ride, we were supplied with a nice buffet lunch. I know I ate too much, but come on; I was going to make sure I got my money's worth out of this trip. I confess that I even asked for a bag to take all the leftover watermelon that hadn't been eaten. At least Nathan thought I was being penny-wise! His wife, on the other hand, thought we were both tight-wads. She got going and said that the moths fly out of her husband's wallet anytime he opens it. She and my wife would have had a real riot, swamping stories. When she turned her head, Nathan and I exchanged high-fives, and a secret tightwad society handshake. Later I betrayed poor Nathan by buying a souvenir Bali Quad tee-shirt for my son, after he had protested buying the 'bloody overpriced' shirt for his wife. Wes and I were taking bets on how his wife would kill him during the upcoming WWR trip. With full bellies and anticipation, we loaded up in the vans again, and took another hour drive to our WWR starting point. So far, this trip was well worth the money, even if I still hadn't claimed that 50K life insurance policy for my wife. I'll try harder on the white water rafting dear.
Much more to come.
Pictures are online, for those of you who have figured out how to get to the site. If you need directions you can email me: micronesianhunters@yahoo.com
Here is the website for Bali Quad. It should answer any questions about tours details and prices. www.baliquad.com
Steve