Society tells us to buy more.
Wisdom tells us to need less.
Joshua Becker
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| Relais du Masaola near Isalo National Park Beautiful sunrise despite the cloudiness |
Isalo National Park is a stunning natural reserve. It is known for its unique runiforme sandstone formations. It features dramatic landscapes, deep canyons, and hidden oases – from pristine clear water to finely cut, colorful, rocks. This is where I saw my largest chameleon and some very distinctive insects. On the way here, we drove by where was found the largest sapphire in the world.
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| One type of family tomb This one is probably 15'x15' (5.2m x 5.2m) Some are plain, like this one, some are heavily decorated with paintings Often representing the departed or something connected to them (musical instrument for example) |
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| We are traveling through the spiny forest before getting to Isalo National Park These endemic plants are nicknamed Octopus Trees (Didierea madagascariensis) |
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| You are not allowed to get near the tombs, only view them from the road This one has specially carved stakes - most of these stakes get stolen now It is therefore rare to see any of them except in museums |
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| Orchid season is barely starting in Madagascar Star Shape Aerangis (Aerangis rostellaris) - another endemic plant I didn't expect to see any in bloom Another two weeks to the rainy season with more blooms opening |
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| Digging for sapphire instead of gold in this part of Madagascar The largest sapphire in the world was found here in 1995 It weighed 28 pounds (12.7kg) Now valued at more than $150M, it is hidden in a USA bank vault, owned by an LLC |
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| Some put dirt in bags to sell No one knows what is in any of these bags so they take a chance for that one hidden gem Some will get lucky and find a nice sapphire in one of these bags Considering the number of nicer vehicles in this area, some have been lucky |
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| About to enter Isalo National Park Sandstone rock formations, dry grasses, palm trees |
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| Colorful lichens make the rocks even more interesting and beautiful |
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| These shapes are known as 'runiforme' from the French for carved |
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| Red lichen - a great addition |
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| These remind me of wings |
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| More dome-like formations In the savannah |
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| Same view as the picture at the top of this post but at sunset without clouds |
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| A bit cloudier on the second day but still beautiful |
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| Tall grasses collected to make 'thatch' roofs |
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| Golden grasses against a stunningly blue sky |
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| Rainbow milkweed locust (Phymateus saxosus) Poisonous because of what it eats |
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| You certainly can't miss seeing them About 3 inches (7.5cm) long maybe a tad more |
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| Reclined Clustervine flowers (Jacquemontia reclinata) Supposed to be in Florida (USA) but endangered |
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| Close up of a smaller tomb The park has allowed the established indigenous to keep their dead within its boundary |
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| Wonderful swimming hole with waterfall Viewed from above |
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| Same swimming hole viewed with my feet in the water |
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| Above the swimming hole, well hidden |
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| Elephant foot plant in bright yellow blooms (Pachypodium rosulatum) endemic to Madagascar |
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| This female was looking at my food Allowing me to take a picture of the little one on her chest |
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| Another view of this attractive duo |
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| Plataspid shield bugs (Libyaspis coccinelloides) The white one you see at the bottom is not an adult yet |
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| Flatid Leaf Bug Nymphs (Phromnia rosea) Insect that looks like a feather or frost These filaments serve to confuse predators. They can break away allowing the insect to escape if needed |
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