Day 80

18/09/2009

Left at 6:45 this morning as there was no breakfast and stopped about 9:00 to make tea and eat cereals, crispbread and jam.

Realised today that my left arm is getting a bit burnt from the sun when we are travelling east. The sun is now moving across the northern sky during the day.

Roads not quite as good as yesterday, and definitely busier. Decided it was worth continuing a little in the dark to reach the ferry this evening, which we did by 18:30. Crossing costs $19 for a car and passengers. The ferry is ex P&O and looks like they were the last to do any maintenance on it.

Remarkably little queuing at the Sumatra side and the ferry was not a quarter full, but things were manic at the Java side.

We arrived in Java at 23:00 after sitting off shore for nealy two hours, presumably waiting for the berth to be available. Drove north out of the port to a place called Pantai Pulorida (I think it translates to Florida beach) intending to free camp but stumbled on a restaurant with some holiday cottages so are staying in one of those.

Will probably have a later start tomorrow as it's passed midnight now. From what we can see tonight, the beach here isn't going to be very impressive in the morning so probably won't have a swim before breakfast.

Pat and Simon stopped at Bander Lampung, about 2 hours from the ferry so won't be across until midday.

Hearing about some bombings in Jakata - pleased to be avoiding the big cities.

Lat 5 54.26 S
Long 106 00.69 E
Town Pantai Pulorida