Komodo

We are still anchored beside "Pedoja" at Pulau Padar opposite Komodo Is. Very peaceful and scenic with a white sand beach and towering arid hills behind. And necessary for us after all the worry and trauma of the last few days.
2 days ago we were taken across to Komodo (5 miles) on a local boat to see the famous Komodo dragons. The boat was about 20' long but less than 5' beam powered by a Chinese single cylinder engine which was very loud. We fortunately took 2 of our cockpit cushions because we sat on bare boards on a slightly raised part of the vessel. The trip took one hour so we were very glad to get there!
Once again we had the impression of the locals using every opportunity to extract money from visitors. They wanted payment for a guide, entry to the park, camera and for the yacht just being in the park. All in all the whole exercise cost us around one million rupiahs (NZD125) so not so bad as it included the boat ride - but just the attitude is annoying.
The "park" was very dry and scruffy and we wandered along some paths in search of dragons (really giant lizards). On the way we saw many Tamarind trees and tried the fruit - it grows in pods like beans. A tart but very refreshing taste. We then climbed a small hill and there was a dragon comatose in the sun. Only moved his head the whole time we were there. We didn't get too close because their bite is very toxic and usually causes death within 3 months or so!! Hardly the best way to go. We then headed back down to the park reception area and saw 2 more dragons but also comatose in the sun. After all the hype we found the whole exercise quite disappointing. Then went to the "restaurant" but all we could get was orange juice and beer. No food!!
Then it was time to return to the boat. By then the wind had piped up and was blowing straight into the bay. We set off in rough choppy water with the driver/owner, his father (who had been our guide) and 2 young boys. We took a lot of spray as we headed straight into the sea and apart from wetting us the spray goes straight through the deck into the bilge. One of the young lads bailed the bilge when the water level had risen too high! It was an experience that we were pleased that we had but overall we were very glad to be back.
Since then we have been having discussions with Don of "Pedoja" re repairs to the dinghy. Jim recalled that he had a tube of the wonder filler/glue - 5200. Having never used it before he hadn't thought of using it on the dinghy but Don reckoned it would work around the air filling valves where the damage had occurred. So, yesterday we applied it and in an hour or so we are going to see whether the dinghy holds air. Fingers crossed.
It's been partially successful but there is one valve still leaking so we have applied some more 5200 and hope that it holds. But it looks like a new dinghy very soon. We are leaving here today to start the passage to Lombok via overnight anchorages. A total of 262 miles.
Lotsaluv from us
Jim and Jean
xoxoxoxoxoxo

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