On our third day, we saw the famous Komodo Dragons.
Getting to seem them was not easy. Even for a ship as small as the Viking Orion, it was not possible to dock on Komodo Island. Instead, the ship had to anchor at a distance, and we and our fellow passengers had to be taken there by the ship's tenders (the motorized life-boats which hold about 200 people). Needless to say, this took several trips, and we we in the last group. Once on the island, we met our guide and his two companions, armed with forked sticks to be used in case a dragon decided to charge. Happily this did not happen. (The photo is at the spot where we sighted the dragons.)
The dragons' habitat is a jungle, but somewhat dry in the winter. They are cold-blooded, but can run up to 20 mph. However their method of "hunting" is to lie in wait at a watering hole, camouflaged as they are the color of mud, and when an animal trips over them, they bite. The bite infects the prey which dies several days later, thus providing a meal for the dragon.
It was hot, and once we were back on board, a shower and change of clothes was in order. The rest of the day was much more what one expects of a cruise. We were able to relax, enjoy the good Viking lunch, spend some time on our balcony knitting, and watch the scenery pass by. And the evening meal was outstanding.
Tomorrow we spend the entire day sailing between these Indonesian islands and our first port of call in Australia. Several interesting lectures on on the schedule, so we will not be bored. Tomorrow you will hear all about that.
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