Animals Who Steal the Scene: Part Two

Reptiles from Around the World: 

Iguana Hold Your Hand.

I was admiring the odd spotted bark on an ancient tree in  Bermuda when one of the spots moved.  The little guy above was curious and beautiful, and stayed still long enough for me to take his photo before he slithered away.

 He was an anonymous reptile, but in Fiji I met one with a reputation. 

His name is Hector and he’s a rare Crested Fijian Iguana found on the island of Malolo in the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji. He was rescued by the people who work at Likuliku Lagoon Resort on the island and he has attained instant celebrity. Guests spend more time visiting Hector than they do the Spa.  He’s one of a highly endangered species, and he seems to know he’s important. He’ll pose, with attitude, for photographs, and there are many guests who track his exploits on face book. He’s probably the most famous iguana in the South Pacific.

 And here's another Fijian iguana, from the nature reserve in Fiji.  This British tourist was a bit nervous about letting him climb on his shoulder.

This next one is a resident of Kaua'i and he was artful enough to pose on a flower of bright red, his exact complimentary colour.  Obviously an experienced poser.

And this fellow with the black tongue lives at the aquarium in Napier, on the South Island in New Zealand.

These little guys may be cold blooded, but they sure have a lot of character, and they seem to love the camera.
Keep an eye out for them on your travels.
Next post - It's A Cat's World!

Kaua'i - Hawaii's Garden Isle

In Kaua'i, you can never forget that the ocean is in charge. The waves throw you over like a toy, soaking you completely when all you meant to do was get your feet wet. At night, the surf is a constant and powerful lullaby that rocks you to sleep. And it lures fools like me into thinking they can boogie board.

This green island is often called the garden island for good reason - there is frequent rain, warm temperatures and graceful mountains covered in vegetation.
When we first arrived on the island, there was stormy weather, grey skies, turbulent seas and high surf.  There were warnings not to swim because of the unpredictable currents, and one tourist was swept away to his death when he ventured into dangerous undertow.
It was, however, spectacular to witness the skies lit by lightning, the seas almost black, the clouds a smokey purple.

And when the sun came out, the island glittered like a jewel, and the sea was irresistable. My little three year old swimming companion spent hours in the waves, not minding being upended by them, or that they disolved his sand castle as soon as he built them.