As I was saying yesterday before the internet collapsed, our little tour boat felt safe enough. So off we went.
Before we got very far we had to make a detour to help a fisherman whose catch (aka: dinner) had dropped off the end of his line.
So our captain and Mr Brussels came to the rescue
before we headed off into the mangrove swamps
where some Sri Lankan lads were having a party and probably frightening the crocodiles as we saw none. There were, however, iguanas a plenty
and some beautiful kingfishers.
Such colourful birds are a rarity because most of the wildlife just melts into the surroundings. We got quite close to this croc before I even knew it was there
and I certainly would not have spotted this poisonous snake (it’s the long green stringy thing) unless it had been pointed out to me.
Baby crocodiles are, apparently, a delicious meal for passing eagles and a few other birds of prey. Therefore, many are brought to a small crocodile sanctuary where they are fed, watered and kept until they are strong enough to fend for themselves. This little chap
tried to look ferocious but was actually a little softie.
Inevitably on such tours we had to make a stop so the locals could try (unsuccessfully as it happens) to sell us something. As it turned out, learning how coconuts are used not only for their oil and juice etc but for making ornaments, cups and other utensils plus for weaving was interesting.
The outside of the coconut shell is soaked in water for a spell to soften the fibrous interior. These stands are then beaten (not sure why) and ‘plaited’ into a kind of rope string
which is, in turn, made into mats, coasters and the like.
The coconut is a very versatile tree.
Altogether, a most interesting and educational trip. I learnt a lot, including the fact that porcupines really do have very sharp spikes!
So, that’s it for here. I am off to the south which has been a tourist destination for a lot longer than here. I expect it will be very different.
Phileas
thelasthurrahsite 