Tuesday 22 September 2015

Notwithstanding full payment with 8 receipts at Rinca park office, the Komodo station yesterday charged us more, but gave us only 6 pieces of paper. Makes you wonder if they actually have a system or just play it by ear. Again, it was only half a million (chump change in the broad scheme of things), but one likes to think there's a dependable method. As an aside, were told that water buffalo, which we didn't see, all remain up in the hills where there is no water. Perhaps they're actually the closely related dry buffalo or possibly the heck-with-water-I'm-sick-of-watching-out-for-dragons buffalo. Numerous deer seemed to have no issues. Maybe they enjoy getting eaten.

Toro Langkoi Bay, south end of Komodo Island, has a rock-bound coast with lots of current and swell. "So", he surmised, "that's why it's not a suggested anchorage area". No worries, we found a tolerable location just outside of spray from surf crashing on base of cliff above us. Took some special care with anchor set, then rocked and rolled all night. Not way uncomfortable and except for roar of surf it was quiet with cool breeze and we were not accosted by anyone for any reason wanting anything.

After several days with ill or nil wind finally got in a real sail this morning exploiting those big white flappy things that people often associate with sailboats and for which we paid good money so as to deploy in situations very much like this. Enjoyed absence of aggravating below deck rumbling as we crossed to Lehok Uwada Dasami. Everyone knows where that is right? OK Cal, just for you it's at the southern end of Rinca Island. Have been led to believe there will be monkeys and swimming dragons. Jan will see ALL the rest of them here.

Jack

PS Just learned from friends on S/Y Trim that female dragons can have male (only) offspring without the slightest "romance" (wink, wink). Probably a good thing as they don't appear often to be in an affectionate mood and we've seen them say "no". Besides, lazy and ill-tempered is not much of a turn on.