Madagascar Part Eight! (I took A LOT of pictures, folks!)

For the last part of my Madagascar adventure, I flew to Ile Sainte Marie, off the east coast of the country. My primary reason for going there is because humpbacked whales congregate in the waters around the island in July, August, and September in order to give birth and start raising their babies. I stayed at an INCREDIBLE place called the Princesse Bora Resort. I had my own little bungalow, including a friendly cat and dog that visited me (not simultaneously). 

Upon arrival at the airport, 2 other guests of the resort and I were met with a zebu cart. I was pretty uncomfortable being pulled by animals, so I opted to walk instead. It was not a long walk, so it wasn't actually that heroic. ..

After throwing my bags in my bungalow, I raced to the dive centre to find out about whale watching and snorkelling. The lovely woman behind the counter said I could out set right then for a snorkelling adventure. Apparently they were expecting some rough weather, so it was a good idea to take the opportunity when it presented itself. So I did! 

Herman was my boat pilot, guide, and general good guy that day, and for the rest of my stay at |Princesse Bora. On another occasion when I went snorkelling from the beach, he casually hung around at the shore to be sure that I emerged. 

Here's an embarrassing story. I dove off the boat to snorkel that first day. But when I was ready to get back into the boat, I couldn't do it! A combination of very high steep sides on the boat, and my appalling lack of upper body strength turned it into an impossible task. So poor Herman had to toss me a life ring, and TOW me to shore!!!!!!!! I have now acquired weights and work out every evening.

 The weather that whole week was a bit windy and rainy, which affects the visibility underwater.

The shore that Herman towed me to was on Ile aux Nattes. Ile aux Nattes is just next to Ile Sainte Marie. It is inhabited, but has no electricity, and no motor traffic. Idyllic. 

Aldobra Fody. I spotted this beauty in the centre of a tree at the edge of the water. I spent about 15 minutes wading through the water, stalking him for a picture. According to my bird book, he doesn't belong in this part of the country.

Another Crested Drongo.

Wild orchids

Madagascar Malachite Kingfisher

Black and White Lemur

The Travellers' Tree

We hiked to the top of the island for a 360 degree view

MADAGASCAR PART SEVEN

Going for a Stroll on the West coast of Madagascar

This little guy was a guest in my bungalow

Madagascar Wagtail

This amazing plant is called a 'travellers' tree.' You can puncture these fronds with a knife and pure, sweet water flows out. 

Bulbul

Olive Bee Eater

Baobab trees

Baobab tree

This is a sunbird. I couldn't find him in my Madagascar bird book. This bird and a few others that I saw in Madagascar seem to be in the 'wrong' place, according to my very limited knowledge. Could climate change be the culprit? 

I'm pretty sure this is a Mauritius Kestrel, another bird that seems to have wandered off course. Full disclosure: I am a very amateur birder. 

Crested Drongo. This guy was SO curious about me. He hopped from fence post to fence post checking me out. 

This is a Madagascar Giant Swallowtail butterfly. It is ENORMOUS. When you see them in the sky, they look like small birds, but they move like butterflies. I made myself crazy trying to photograph one. 

Very busy Lesser Plover