It's a very early start this morning, breakfast of toast and fruit in the room before catching the bus to the airport for our flight up to Sepilok to hopefully see some orangutans and anything else.
We arrive there just after an hours flight and then onto the rain forest. The orangutans can come and go as they please, although there is a sanctuary for orphaned and injured youngsters.

                               
                                             To enlarge a picture just click on it

After a short talk on the life and work here at the sanctuary we are met by a guide who is there to help and answer any questions.
We walk along the raised walkways looking out into the greenery of the forest. The hot humid heat hits you and within minutes you feel as if you are in a steam room. Out comes the water bottle and the floppy hat goes on.
There is a hot slightly fermented smell coming up from the ground where the old decaying undergrowth is. Amongst this new plants are growing.

                           

                                                       This was our first orangutan, 'The man of the forest' as they are called due to their gentle nature.This one had forgotten that description! He was waiting for us and did not like our guide.At least he did not seem to mind us tourists! He kept swinging out at the guide and shrieking, refusing to let the guide pass by. Had to have another guide distract him so we could pass. We were watched and stalked for quite a way by this one. Thankfully he gave up after awhile. Did not like the stalking feeling. Maybe a troublesome teenager who did not get his own way!




The throng of tourist and the sound of cameras whirring  and clicking away, it's a wonder any of these beautiful creatures hung around for us to see them.

Here we did see the real thing

We round a corner and there, the most spectacular sight. I felt quite awed by it I have to say. Here was one of the big boys. Watching the world pass by from  amongst the bushes.The orangutan just looked out and into your eyes.It felt as if if he was looking right into your soul. Time stood still or did it go back to our ancestry. I have never had this feeling before , something I find very hard to describe, I think I felt very humble before it.

We come across to one of the feeding platforms that have been erected. The staff put food onto them and call out. If any of the apes want to come out of the forest to feed they can. It was not long before some turned up, only youngsters and to watch them sorting through the fruit, discarding some they did not think fit to eat. Some youngsters snatching food from one another, others grabbing handfuls and leaping off into the trees. Proboscis monkeys also turned up to join in the party. These are odd looking fellows, with their big red noses, and  pudding basin looking hairstyle.

                                                 
 What a wonderful thrill this all was, to be out here in this country seeing these creatures.
Thank goodness there are still people around trying and helping to save these beautiful creatures. What with rain forests being burnt down and destroyed and making way for civilisation to expand.
Tomorrow is another day and hopefully we will be able to see some more of these gentle 'men of the forest' not forgetting the females!

Come back next week, some lovely photos to see.

Picture this week, a 'African Grey' from Kenya my orangutan is next week. There is a little tale to the painting.

'Motherly Love'

                                

                                   

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On the art side this week, have been busy on the face, I am leaving this for the moment before I overdo it. Can always have a little twiggle later if needed. I have now started on the dress.
Frills and folds.

                                                               
Hope you join me again next week.