KOMODO

Komodo Island Indonesia UNESCO world heritage site.

Known habitat of the largest Lizard in the world, home to the earth's last dinosaur.  Reaching 10feet in length weighing 300 pounds they are venomous, can sprint 15kph, swim and dive to 15feet, also climb trees.  They hide and pounce on their prey.  Several people have been attacked and a few killed in recent years.  The young live in trees hiding until a certain size as the older ones will eat them

The original people were nomadic and technically under rule of Sultanate of Bima. The worst prisoners were dropped off here to fend for themselves amidst the carnivorous dragons.  Those who survived partnered with the tribes, living in thatched wooden houses built on stilts to keep out the man eating reptiles.

The descendants of those natives and convicts live on the isle today.

Dividing Australian and Asian flora and fauna is known as the Wallace line drawn exactly near Komodo with evolution by natural selection taking place.  Indonesia has names for only 8,844 of the 18,307 islands in this, the worlds largest archipelago, with only 922 of those islands permanently inhabited.

Arrival in the waters off Komodo Island early morning was very scenic with mountainous countryside, smooth seas and perfect light for photography before the sunup.

It was the pool exercises for me early morning doing my own workout while watching everyone on the walking deck one above, surrounding the pool, sweating it out doing their laps.  The air was balmy and water just tepid.

The ship has 697 people on board and 399 were due to go ashore on Komodo to do the National Park walk with guards to fend off these monsters should they get it in their head to attack.

As we have monitor lizards (somewhat smaller variety than the Komodo) in our National Park Noosa Heads, I chose not to go on tour @ $200+ dollars as I could easily imagine a lizard crocodile size and did not fancy putting myself at risk in the open with them.  

We were warned prior to going, anyone with cuts or ladies with monthlies to advise the tour office or dont go.  The Komodo Dragon has a highly developed sense of smell by flicking the forked tongue and recognising which directions to seek prey  eeeek! Very keen eyesight but not so good hearing. (So screaming at them is no good!)

However we could get on the tender to go ashore, but no admission to National park.  I figured as I paid for a visa I would go over and stamp on Indonesian Territory so went for a couple of photo opportunities from the tender and anything that may be interesting ashore in the small area we were allowed.  

It was quite pleasant for the short trip and funnily enough saw a Dragon underneath the shelter with open steps, either resting in the shade or laying in wait for a feast to come along.!  Did not stop for a photo, a quick look at the shape was enough.

Sailaway last evening was magical from Deck 10 with our Cocktail hour and blissful views as we drew away from Komodo along the coastline.

Each sea day we have wonderful lectures which keeps us too busy to eat the banquets constantly laid out for us should we want.  

Do you believe me?

Trevor Knight from Buledelah (may be the wrong spelling) is sharing his experiences on Horse whispering and his love of the spirit of these wonderful animals which have served man, enriching their lives over centuries. He has such interesting experiences and is renowned for his endurance rides both in Australia and overseas, keeping the horses calm while on flights.  

Proudly he wears the special award Buckle for 250mile endurance ride on his belt much coveted by horsemen.  

Better than a useless silver cup I say. Trevorknight.com

Trevors tribute show last night to John Denver was marvellous as usual, together with a couple of songs he has also written and played on his favourite guitar. 

He has a variety of shows around the ship before getting off in Vietnam so has to present a fresh talent each time which is amazing as we have seen him before and just now, talking of his farm and the personalities of his horses was along the same theme but told with a fresh perspective, a real tear jerker for me.

As I write this the seas are calm as a mill pond, and ooh ooh, I just saw a shark fin out the window, it may have been a dolphin not sure.

Earlier, we were passing Bali and the volcano which looked a bit like Mt Fuji shape now coming up the channel between Bali and Lombok heading north past Borneo.

Vietnam is the next Port of call and we are berthed closer to the city of Saigon than before, on a previous trip, this time a short shuttle bus ride.  It is still called Saigon by the locals although known as Ho Chi Minh city. Thinking I may go to the National History Museum, we need to find out whether it is suitable for Frank on his mobility scooter to go ashore.