Today after watching a third feeding we took a long hike. It was nice to get out for a lot longer and this time we had two guides offering information. Edi captured a slender creature that looked like a Walking Stick. Left to its own devices the insect sported pink faerie-tale wings and fluttered feebly before metamorphosing back into a twig. We saw a number of pitcher plants, each larger than the last with odd splashes of color indicating species variation. One of our guides (not Edi) told me of a Giant Viper Pitcher with fang-like appendages but we failed to spot any.
Back down river the Spanish couple jump off to explore camp Harapan, the one Chuck and I toured on the first day. We opted to rest onboard the craft and plot our next move. We have flights booked for Bali, and a free week and a half ahead of us. So much to do, so little time.
Our vessel has been chartered by another client and must return to Kumai before us. Another Klotok moors with us and we transfer possessions over to new boat. It has a few desirable improvements to the last so I'm pleased with the switch. Benches built into the bow area. A short pew at the back that allows for ascent onto the aft deck which sports a bench in turn. A proper sink basin in the water closet. Simple amenities that make our stay aboard that much more enjoyable.
Around sundown we dock outside a Dayak village. These are the indigenous people of the area, known for ratan weavings and ironwood carvings. I purchase a small bead bracelet at the gift shop. The poor clerk looks distraught when he can't locate adequate change. "Mas, enam puluh ribu, tidak apa-apa." Literally "Boy, 60,000 no what-what" but meaning "Sir, 60,000 rupiah, no problem." He owes me 5,000rp (roughly 50¢) but seriously, no problem. Put it towards your village. The doctor is trying to haggle behind me, in English no less. I walk out disgusted. Jesu Maria, Doc, show some class.
The evening meal proves the exact same fare as last night. Delicious no doubt, but lack of variety is disappointing. I prop myself upon the afore mentioned aft deck to count stars. We're moored among the Mangrove Palms that marked the commencement of our passage, here fireflies are strobing in clusters among the palms. They prove no match for the firmament above but their competition is welcome.
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