March 20th - Komodo Island, Indonesia

To avoid a major tropical storm our captain changed course, so instead of
visiting the ports as we headed South, we took an extra sea day, went to our
Southernmost destination and will be visiting our ports in the reverse
order, heading North. Strong winds and heavy rains do not make for good
visits - Thanks Captain Mateboer!

First up was another, last view of the Komodo Dragons. We got to see a very
pregnant female. They lay their eggs in March and April and will stay with
the eggs for a couple of months before leaving them. The eggs take about
nine months to hatch and then it will be a race to survive for the
hatchlings as they seek shelter for the next two-three years in the tree
tops. The journey is a tough one, many are eaten by birds AND the adult
dragons, even their own mothers!

We lucked out, in addition to the dragons and deer, we saw some wild boars,
but thankfully, no snakes.

Next up was a great swim and snorkeling at Pink Beach. Lots of activity,
wish I had a better underwater camera. The water was so refreshing that I
stayed in about two hours before coming in to have some lunch prepared by
our guides.

Then, it was time to go back to the ship and say goodbye to Komodo Island
for now.