Rafting in Sarawak

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HI all! Bamboo rafting's not my usual cup of tea, but when Edward, our American IT guy said it'd be great to take some pics of Benedict Cat going rafting, i jumped at the idea. Organised by the Kuching City Hashers, the meeting point was about "10 miles out of Kuching" ( the capital of Sarawak ). At 8:30 am, after picking up Weiwei, our guide, we were on our way. Benedict, snuggled in Edward's lap purred contentedly as our car cruised into 10th mile Padawan town after 30 min. It was farther than expected as we drove along the winding roads of Semonggok Agriculture and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre ( orang utans, sunbears etc are here ...) More twists and turns past scenic Giam Village, and finally at 10.30 am, we arrived at Kampung Danu. Over 20 bamboo rafts had been piled high beside the road and path leading to the river bank. Many Hashers ( each paid rm10 to participate ) had arrived before us. Each team then chose their raft and carried it to the river. Benedict set about 'checking' lifejackets, etc. While waiting for the flag-off, 12-year old Lik jumped and ran up and down the suspension bridge. I did believe it would be just seconds before he threw himself into the invitingly cold, clear stream beckoning below us. Much to his credit, Lik calmed down and we proceeded to test the rafts in the water. The sunlight picked out the beautiful smooth sandstones and coloured pebbles lying in the sand beneath the clear water. Everyone was in great spirits and after dorning sponsored tshirts, tying and fastening all valuables, the hundred plus rafters were on their way ( 17 km approx ). Gurgling churning waters carried them past sleepy jungle dwellings, lush tropical flora...under shady canopies of majestic trees lining the river banks where hidden birds called. The rafters finally arrived at Kampung Git after over 4 hours of paddling. It had indeed been a heady afternoon and the hypnotic buzz of insects could not dispel Edward's happiness whose team came in 6th in the 'race'...Er..oh..yes.. Benedict, ..well, he didn't take too kindly to all that water splashing and had headed for home earlier...not everyone wants their exclusive fur coat wet, i guess...:P

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