Posts Tagged ‘Cilacap’

Day 334. 101km. Cilacap – Kebumen

Posted: March 29, 2016 in Cycling, Indonesia
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Today was a day of flat, straight, small roads along the beach with a 3-hour interlude of Sumatra-steep slopes that popped up out of nowhere. It was a day of food on the beach and chats – on the beach during the day, and at breakfast in Cilacap.

Alfian and his family in Cilacap

Alfian and his family in Cilacap

The coast is windswept with big waves crashing onto the sand from the Indian Ocean, and endless beaches. I stopped at several little collections of restaurants on the beach, watching the waves as I sipped on my iced coconut. The roads were good, and I enjoyed cycling on the flat. On looking at the terrain view of Google maps, I realise now that tomorrow will be a sweaty affair getting to the base of the volcano pass – there are lots of bumps to the north of where I am. It’s all good training.. ☺

Iced coconut

Iced coconut

The beach

The beach

Small path next to the beach

Small path next to the beach

Another meal

Another meal

Day 333. 118km. Batu Karas – Cilacap

Posted: March 29, 2016 in Cycling, Indonesia
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The horizon above the dark-night sea was lit up by vast flickering bolts of white. The air had turned cool, and there was a wind blowing in from the sea. I jumped out of the hammock, packed my things and ran for cover. The hammock was blown horizontally by the wind, as the air became pregnant with expectation. But the rain never came. Hammock sleeping on Java.

My camping spot in the morning

My camping spot in the morning

I slept under a roof shelter in my hammock on the beach, under a bright lamp, among the collection of crowing roosters, and next to a thoroughfare of fisherman getting up at 3am to ply the waters in their boats. Well, I didn’t sleep.

Today I broke 100km on Java. No torrential downpour. Flat roads with a good road surface. Little traffic. It was a lovely evening with Alfian and his friends and family in Cilacap. I realise how lucky I am being able to cycle on this trip. My savings from my job in a rich country are enough to let me realise my dream. I hope Alfian and others, one day, can realise their dreams too! Him, and others, will be welcome in my home (when I find one).. ☺

The beach

The beach