Still Dragon
20 September 2015 | Soro Lia, Komodo Island
Sunday 20 September 2015
Anchoring near dive site saved us 4 hours back and forth from Labuan Bajo and from dinner at nearby resort. Previous 2 nights out were absolutely excellent, both, but shut down the kitty's purr for awhile. Got picked up Saturday morning at 1000 and back home before 1600 with 3 terrific dives. Park area protected from dynamite finally produced large fish; first ones in Indonesia. Got great video of a big manta swimming up and down current in front of us, schools of giant trevalli plus, among others, humphead wrasse and reef sharks. Good viz. Lots of current. After 2 days of laryngitis Jan has kicked the bug and other crew has crawled away from death's door, so had a good day all around to include partying on Court Jester from 1700 until 2000.
Notwithstanding partial recoveries, however, this morning was a touch slow. Once finally underway toward Pink Beach which is white sand with shell red bits (you have to stand back a bit to get the appropriate color) current slowed us by up to 5 knots. Timing tidal changes needs more work.
Expect to visit other Park office on Komodo Island itself tomorrow earlyish (not morning people). At least some of the charges from Rinca should not be required again. We have 8 separate receipts which do not include cost of mandatory tour guides. Total not outrageous, but crikey!, you'd think it could be made just a wee bit more efficient. Anyway its a major bucket list box check, so what the heck. Jan has yet to see ALL the dragons.
Jack