Balance - rest - mindfulness. And a competition.

Climbers I have just returned from a family holiday in Bali. Again. And I'm not entirely happy about it. Returning that is.

However, while I was there I dropped in to Ubud Adventure, across the road from my sumptuous accommodation at De Ubud Villas. More on that later.

There's no rock climbing to speak of in Bali, but the trekking is absolutely spectacular. So you'll need gear.

Win this T-Shirt from Ubud Adventure.
Just become a follower of jjobrienclimbing, leave a comment on this post, and check your letter box for your new T-Shirt.
First, you need a google account to become a follower.
Then scroll down the right side of this page to where it says "Follow" and join. Easy.
The rules:
The winning comment will make me laugh, impress me, or make me weak with pity. Or all three.
Your chances of winning are good.
I've only got 10 google followers and at least half of them don't want a T-Shirt. I'll give you a week, or so.

Ubud Adventure stock the Indonesian Consina range of gear.
Packs, T-Shirts (like the one above), clothes, tents.






Madé and Sudanti look after the store.
They are so delightful.
If I had a shop I'd poach them.

Sudanti with the range of packs.

Hundreds of them.

Cheap.

Look for the big sign down the end of Hanoman st.where it swings in toward the Monkey Forest.

Ah, back to the Villa.

I think Willow sums up the mood of the holiday here, relaxing in the poolside balé.

 Sandra and Lotus at one of our fav restaurants, Casa Luna.

The extended fam. On the walk from Bentuyung to Ubud.

10 days. No climbing.

Just cafes.

Attending the Legong dancing at the palace, three times, I love it.

Hanging with the family.

Q. Did you visit any agricultural areas during your visit?

A. Um.....No?

Q. Are you bringing in any more than $10,000.00 in cash?

A. Are you kidding, have you seen how my family can shop?

 We did a photo shoot for the Red Phoenix range of Jewellery and clothing while we were at the Villa.
Willow wearing "Black Jewels" necklace from the Red Phoenix range.

Lotus wears the "Batik Bella" shift and "Limoncello" necklace both from the Red Phoenix, Dolce Vita collection available from The Tribune

Location: Ku De Ta, Seminyak, Bali.

 Climbers, I'll come clean. I didn't climb Agung this time, but here's a couple of shots from my last climb a year ago.

Mt. Agung - 10,300 ft or there abouts. It's steep, high, freezing cold, it smolders with sulphur and probably my very favourite place.

I've walked along this ridge a few times over the years. The path from Bentuyung, down to Ubud, through padi, deep dark gorges on either side.
I have often stopped and wondered how the village priests decide where to place the small shines that can be seen everywhere. Shrines to Dewi Sri, Goddess of the rice. I know the placement is important, but what is it about a particular place that makes it important?
Back at my forest home in Australia, one night, I dreamt that I could see the subtle energy that gives power to place. It was so effortless and obvious.

I felt fresh and strong. It reminds me to stay aware of subtlety as I hammer my way through the day.