Komodo National Park — The Great Sojourn

29 - A Dance With Dragons (Komodo National Park, Indonesia)

There have been numerous attacks through the years. (See article below). A month before our arrival, a fisherman was killed and others wounded in an unprovoked assault. Dragons have been known to spice up their diet when watering holes dry up. No water, no prey. Two months earlier, a ranger in the very station where we stood experienced the dragon’s wrath. Allegedly, the cleaning crew left the door to the stilted hut open, so one ascended (probably looking for a snack). When the Ranger Maen sat at his desk and glanced below…

Batch 6, Indonesiaby Mr. Nos T. O'maniacMarch 1, 2020Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Komodo Dragons

30 - Panic & Pessimism (Komodo National Park, Indonesia)

Our first dive required a furious descent to avoid being swept away. Paddling my balls off to the sea floor was the appetizer. Bottom currents kept the fun alive. Undersea rock climbing, anyone? That was my impression as I grasped for one rock and then another against the flow. It was exhausting, and I was in trouble from the start. The descent took it out of me and I never really caught up to my breath. How can I describe the feeling? Put on a snorkel and mask. Sprint up twelve flights of stairs. Sprinkle in a moderate to severe impending sensation of doom. Breathe normally. Calm the fuck down.…

Batch 6, Indonesiaby Mr. Nos T. O'maniacMarch 1, 2020Indonesia, Komodo National Park, Castle Rock, Flores, Scuba Diving