Lombok: On the Hard, and Covid in Paradise

To kick off this latest instalment, Claire and I are both recovering from the dreaded Covid. I got it pretty soon after arriving in Lombok and Claire followed a couple of days later. I have to say it was not a lot of fun and we are still dragging our feet, lacking energy and feeling rubbish at times. However, we are improving slowly. Unfortunately, it got in the way of enjoying the end to our cruising season. We ended up in isolation at a nearby island for a week, which was a bitter sweet. Oh well, the joys of an ongoing pandemic in paradise. It was bound to happen at some point!

Xarifa is now up on the hard, safe and secure ashore. The haulout at Medana Bay Marina went smoothly and without fuss. The staff worked well together and the team was clearly well versed with the process, for which we were grateful. Xarifa now joins a bunch of boats doing the same as us, sitting out the forthcoming wet season. It is with mixed emotions we are leaving our beloved home.

We know a few boats here already from the current cruising season, and have now met a few more. One such cruiser is an American duo who had their boat stuck here during the Covid lockdown. Because their boat was unattended for so long, and half way around the world, sadly she needed a full refit to head off further afield. They have been slogging away now for the past 5 months and have a way to go yet. We also had the pleasure of meeting another yachtie, our hard stand neighbour, who has lived here for 30 years, and is married to an Indonesian lady. She is also a Psychologist, and was keen to meet us. He kindly invited us to his home to have lunch with his wife and a group of visiting Indonesian friends from Java. What a treat, and what a feast. Their home was something special, traditionally built in the Sulawesi style, with multiple guest villas, a 25m lap pool, sauna, and set on 25 acres of jungle on the back of Mount Rinjani. Oh, did I mention they had a full compliment of staff, including a grounds keeper, kitchen staff, maintenance, and a driver, who kindly ferried us to and from their home, over 1.5hrs each way. We shared great company and conversation, and found a few new friends to boot. How lucky and grateful we felt at getting such an opportunity.

So today is our last day at the Marina. Xarifa is now ship shape and ready to leave for the wet. We will come back to check on her from time to time. However, tomorrow we are heading to Lombok’s South Coast, to a town called Selong Belanak, reportedly one of the most lovely beaches in Indonesia. We have rented a villa there and are going to stay for a month or two. We hope to buy a couple of surfboards and enjoy another side of life. We are also planning a 3 day walk up Mount Rinjani, when our lungs recover, and are looking into some land based adventures further afield for early next year. Whilst none of this will involve sailing, I will keep the blog up if you are interested in following along.

So for now that’s about it. Here are a few pics from our recent haulout. Until next time…..

Haulout Trailer

Xarifa Up on the Hard

New Friends in Lombok