Wrapping Up 2024

 Not too many New Year's Parties or celebrations to show, though what a year of celebrations and so much gratitude and blessings. 

Rania graduated from ISKL.  Reeve graduated from Case Western in May before then finishing his final semester in December.  We had trips to Thailand, Indonesia, Gabi saw so much of Europe and a ton of Greece during her semester abroad, Rania got settled in Chicago for University, and the 'empty nest' started in Kuala Lumpur. 

Truly, so much to be thankful for and so many blessings.  It is also fitting to wrap up the most blog posts of any year (500+) and the month of December having the most of any month (70+).  Some of that is inflated significantly by spending less time curating videos and just uploading clips to YouTube to embed in the blog - perhaps less engaging, though much, much more efficient given the number of views to our blog is usually in the single digits. 

 So on that note, it is the final picture from the final day of a really spectacular year, for which we have so much to be thankful for. 

Airport Goodbyes

We transferred through Bali because there were no direct flights for the return.  It was time to say goodbye to Jannis Limbacher - so so wonderful to get to know him and part of the stories of making deep and incredible connections with people during memorable trips and experiences. 

He was staying in Bali for a few days before returning to Switzerland.  Gabi and I were heading back to KL for a late night arrival after a trip to remember. 

 

Return to Labuan Bajo

 The ride back to Labuan Bajo was a bit eventful, when our boat ran out of gas in the middle of the ocean.  Thankfully, we were in cell phone coverage, so he called someone from a nearby village to bring a small boat out with some extra gas so we could make it to town and to our flight. 

 

Goodbye Komodo

 It was hard to say goodbye after spending such a wonderful time at the National Park and having such a skilled guide.  

 

Returning to our boat after stepping back in time. 

On the way back down, we saw a wild boar running at the edge of the forest.  

Views!

 Wrapping up our time at the viewpoint, seeing some really incredible sights and enjoying a bit of the shade when brave enough to be close to the side of the gazebo without bothering the dragon!

Starting our walk down the path from the viewpoint. 

The colors of the ocean were absolutely stunning and the pictures do not do them justice. 

Looking down at the visitors center. 
 

What a viewpoint!

 This was a viewpoint for all viewpoints.  Combine the majestic view overlooking the bay and nearby islands with the fact that the gazebo was commandeered by a Komodo Dragon enjoying relaxing in the shade.  Wild! 

We sure were in for a surprise as we walked the short way up to the top to see a Komodo Dragon leisurely enjoying the viewpoint. That's what happens when the 1500 or so dragons on the island are free to roam wherever they want, which is as it should be in the natural world. 

So many incredible views!

 

 

Komodo Dragon Smelling & Sniffing - December 2024

Here the dragon stops for a moment, to sniff and smell, perhaps our smelliness, or perhaps to get bearings. This sequence was a definite highlight of a really special trip.

Komodo Dragon Walking - Rinca Island - December 2024

Here is another short clip of the dragon walking behind the visitor's center at Komodo National Park. Wow, what a sight!

Walking Dragons

 What an absolute treat, as the previous two videos (somewhat) show, to see a dragon walking.  Wow. 

Here are some pictures while the dragon got up and started walking away. 

We followed it for a very short time (as it walks slowly, it isn't too hard), and had a wild story to tell with Doug's camera - see previous video as well, even if was a close miss.)

 

SO CLOSE - Wild Video of Komodo Dragon

Almost. . .but not quite. When the dragon started walking, the guide took my phone and tried to set it up so that the dragon would walk right next to it. Thankfully, it didn't step on it or stop and sleep right next where it was. Unfortunately, it was angled a bit too high or could have been a video for the ages. Check out the 00:30 - 00:44 to see how close the camera was to the dragon, even if you cannot see too much.

Dragon Walking - Komodo National Park - Rinca Island

After getting some pictures with sleeping dragons, we were standing and talking and one of them just started walking. SO COOL. What a prehistoric sight, like something out of ages earlier.

Komodo Dragons

 It was pretty cool to see some dragons.  We first saw a few along the boardwalk as we were getting close to the visitors center. 

There was one of the bigger ones, and we got a picture, thanks to our guide, on the other side of it. 

 

Departing for Dragons

 Given that we need about a 24-hour surface interval before our last dive and flying - and we're so close, we opted to go see the Komodo Dragons - which was a really easy decision.  The National Park on Rinca Island is closer, and more recommended due to being a quieter location than some of the venues on Komodo Island.  

 We set off in the morning to arrive at the National Park.  I definitely had a Jurassic Park vibe - stepping back into time, being the only boat to arrive in the bay and walk up the boardwalk.  Wow. 

 

Fascinating - Diving at Komodo National Park - Dec 2024

In addition to all the big things (schools of fish, sharks, rays, turtles, some of the creatures on the sandy floor can be so mesmerizing.

Beautiful Sea Life - Komodo National Park Diving - December 2024

In addition to a titan trigger fish, you can see lots of fish during part of our diving at Komodo National Park, December 2024.

Turtle during diving in Komodo National Park - Dec 2024

Such beauty and elegance of the turtle while diving in Komodo National Park during our trip with Scuba Junkie in December 2024.

Wrapping up Diving

 We had some great final dive opportunities - and so wonderful to be in such a spectacular, breath-taking location.  The views, both above and below the water were so special.