Day 2: This time we encountered a lost couple and their two children on the trail - something that no one should do, especially with children tagging along in the jungle, i.e. making an entrance without a guide. Not only that they are risking being lost in the maze of the dark forest, something really bad could happen to them like an accident or a snake bite. Eventually, they tagged along us to catch a glimpse of the Raflessia. However, some camping youngsters decided to follow us on the way and they were not exactly your typical nature lovers -they were the typical tourist cum nature 'conquerors' who wanted nothing more than just taking photos of their conquests like the next tallest mountain or the next most exotic location. Worst, they did not pay attention to safety in jungles and trampled on everything on their path. They even ran in the jungle and overtook us who were walking in a single-file formation in the narrow jungle trail, just to be ahead to take the first photos and to hog the whole place up, snapping all kinds of poses with the Raflessia and trampling on the roots of the lianas that host the Raflessia, even after we told them to be careful! Phew...guess the idea of public awareness programme for the conservation of the site mooted last week at the ranger's office seemed like a necessity now, view that people are treating the jungle like a playground or amusement park.
A strange fruit...
A beautiful flaming red Torch Ginger. This ginger has typical russet-purplish undersides on its slightly wavy leaves.
Pretty young leaf with nodes at its edge.
The Tacca Lily opening and darkening in shades.
A closeup of the flowering bracts...
An eaten mushroom on the damp forest floor.
Newly formed seed pods of the Gapis from last month's flowering season.
A wolly caterpillar.
The last bud opening (the one with a 50 cent scale from 10/04/2010).
The newly opened raflessia cantleyi. Perfect shape.
A rolled-up bug on the path.
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