We have been traveling mostly in the north eastern part of Indonesia thus far but it was time to travel down south across the Flores Sea to the southern islands. It was a 271 nautical mile passage and the wind was light…spinnaker time! Sailing at night…or even during the day… we fear hitting a FAD (fishing attraction device) made out of bamboo which do not show up on our radar. So caution is a must and at night you just cross your fingers. I actually saw a FAD on my early morning watch that must of been almost 2 miles deep and 20+ miles away from any island or land…. just amazing! There were many who left Pasar Wajo to head south so we had lots of “eyes” on the look out. Believe it or not, we happened to be semi-in front of the fleet so we would call out to other boats behind us warning of FAD’s that were in our path. One close call but everyone came out un-scathered : )
Labuan Bajo was a great little town….decent provisioning, western type food, overall our first real “tourist” town we have been to in Indonesia so there was less concern about wearing clothes that covers shoulders and knees. We stayed for just under a week to rest up, do some errands, and dink around before heading off to the Komodo National Park just a few miles away.
Topping up on data….its always an adventure 
Shipment came into the island so all the shops were busy stocking the shelves. 
Love the colors! 
Fish market 
FIsh market…the “dried side”…. 
Got squid? or cuttlefish..can’t tell 
It’s a fish heart…. 
Can you just imagine the smell? Trust me… you don’t want to! 
OMG…Mexican food! We ate here at least twice 
Have to find PIZZA!! 
And more Pizza on Starry Horizons 
Trevor spent some time helping to fill LPG gas bottles for another boat…. not as easy as it looks. 
View of the towns anchorage…lots of Phisini boats: traditional wooden
gaff-ketch sailing boats.
One night there was a BBQ at a resort on the beach……
yummm 
bamboo stick dancing 
Proper buffet 
the gang 
Ok, this musical instrument is called a Sasando, a stringed musical instrument played with both hands from the opposite direction. From left to right: Left hand plays the melody and bass, while right hand plays the accord. That makes Sasando unique because somebody could play the melody, bass, and accord at once. He was playing US pop songs…and singing…and smiling!
Labuan Bajo was an official rally stop but originally did not have any events scheduled ….until we got an email a few days before we were leaving. I have no idea how they put this all together in such a short period of time but it was another huge display! Most of the fleet left the anchorage to go explore the neighboring islands so there were just a few of us left to attend this “surprise” event: A welcome ceremony with snacks and local coffee, and a school visit with dancing complete with a box lunch.
Welcome ceremony we were gifted hand woven scarfs 
The offering of a white chicken means family 
snacks provided 
Drinking local coffee 
Western influence?! 
The parade through town to the school 
The band at the school 
The school 
This is the governor dancing 
Womens dance 
Mens dance: It was more like a battle (whip and shield) and they actually struck each other 
After the “battle” the winner would make a speech 
This customary mens dance was so different…. they all had “tails” and exquisite headpieces. 
They would swing small towels in their hands and “prance” around…. I have seen nothing like this before….it was mesmerizing!
Later that night there was a Gala Dinner….massive amounts of food!
Salads galore 
Balinese dish-spicy! 
Too much!!!! 
Raymond dancing 
These women danced and made this shape using woven fabrics….pretty cool 
Trevor received a coin from this guy and it was pretty special. 1: Trevor collects coins. 2: He was an ex-admiral of the Indonesian navy.
Before we left Labuan Bajo, a few of us wanted to go diving. Diving here is one of the best due to the huge currents from the Indian Ocean bringing nutrients between the islands brining large pelagic fish, sharks, manta rays to feed. Currents can be fierce here and in my opinion, it was best not to go ourselves and to go with a dive company who has the local knowledge. Currents are hard to predict in this area and even down currents (currents that can push you deeper down) occur.
Without scale these fish just look like another school but they were the size of a small child! I have never seen fish this large in person. 
Our dive guide…21 years old. 
There were so many dive shops..it was hard to choose. We went for the one who would take us to all 3 northern dive sites…usually not possible with currents but we did it. 
On our way home….these guys actually 
The dive plan 
Turtle 
I don’t know if you can see it but there is a very large fish following a black tip reef shark.
Well, Trevor promised me Dragons for my birthday so off to Komodo National Park!
Hugs m love wow ! So much to see. And eat. Never saw so much pretty good. The smells would have gotten to me.. I am taking your Dad to Gaitlinburg tomorrow and we r goingvuo stay til Sat. He will be 81 on Sat.. Wishing Trevor a Happy Happy Birthday tomorrow!! Bet he will do a dance just don’t do it naked. Lol! I am going on faith that all will be well … his only request has been that he gets to see the salt n pepper museum!!!! I am hoping we might take in a few shows. It will be a good rest no shopping or cooking til Sat.!!!! He has not been anywhere in years!!!! Wish us luck!!! Love to y’all. Big storm hitting Florida. We will be in Tn. Yeah!