Komodo Day 2

Day 2 Everybody :)

Today we went for a morning dive, and between dives headed into Komodo National Park, on land where the dragons actually are. I was so excited to see these guys, their conservation status is Vulnerable, and there are only 3000-5000 left on the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores and a few others. So I was happy to spend my tourism dollars here and show they are very much worth protecting as a source of eco-tourism income. They are also fascinating creatures, the way they slowly stalk prey, wait for the right moment and strike. They can take down an entire water buffalo, they just have to wait patiently for days while their venom slowly kills the buffalo and then they feast like a king. It's not actually some super-strain of bacteria in their saliva, that is a myth. The toxin they have is somewhat similar to an Australian taipan, one of the world's most venomous snakes. No matter what, not something you want to get bit by. Our guide said he knew of people (some other guides) that had lost limbs and sometimes their lives to a Komodo dragon's bite.

Entering the park

Off the start we took a little nature hike around. It is very interesting topography, looks like open grass land, but it's a bunch of islands. And yes, our guide warned us there could be dragons hiding in it. 

We were there during their lazy time, which was good. Don't really want to see them at their crazy time. 

I'm pretty much terrified in this picture. 

Plus there were monkeys there. This one has her baby clinging on to her belly if you can see it. 

Check out that tongue!

Perhaps he's out on a hunt

This is one of the juveniles. They are super curious and run all over the camp. There was a baby gate at the top of those stairs so the dragons couldn't come in the office!

That afternoon we went diving again. Here is a trumpet fish.

This is a Napoleon Wrasse, a fish I was super excited to see. I only saw this fish twice on the whole trip!

Showing off the happy reef

Here's a pic of our boat, it was just awesome

Jared on a surfboard being pulled by the little boat. I tried multiple times to get up but I was just not that coordinated. 

That evening we did a small hike up to a vantage point. It is a beautiful place and I miss it so. 

Our boat made some friends in the harbour. This is where we slept for the night. 

Until Next Time!