Beyond Scuba (Day 180)

Raja Ampat was full of fun activities besides diving.

We went to an island where you could hike to a lake full of non-stinging jellyfish!  Living in a lake with no natural predators, these jellyfish evolved without stingers.  You could just swim up and touch them.  It felt so weird!

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CAVE

Another spot had a cathedral-like cave that you could kayak or swim through.

At the other side, if you managed to scramble up some rocks (past a bunch of bugs!), you came to a hidden jungle lagoon.

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HIKES

We hiked up some steep rocky paths.

Most trails had seen better days…

But the views were worth it !

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JUMPING OFF THE BOAT

What better way to cool off after a long jungle hike?!?

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PADDLE BOARD

We had a great time paddle boarding in protected coves.

Ashley paddles while Hugh peers underwater for mantas. He found them just swimming under the board!

At times, we felt so small, being surrounded by huge uninhabited islands.

Here is the view over my paddle board. You can see the coral from above the water! (You can also see part of my paddle board at the bottom right.)

*****

Even with all this craziness, probably the best part of Raja Ampat was just being with friends.

Laurence and Alexis…. Katelyn and Max…. Dave, Dalia and Lucas — Thanks for doing a long journey and making this such a fun time!