The scenery on Iriomote is unequalled. It is simply majestic.

Iriomote's gorgeous coast










Is it some kind of alien from another strange planet?
No,it isn't. It's a sea cucumber!
Is that a tropical vegetable?
No,it's like a big sea worm. Many people eat certain kinds - I have eaten sea cucumber. I thought it was rather yummy!
What is that stringy stuff hanging out the back?
That's the animal's guts. When they are touched, feeling they're in danger, they shoot their own organs out of their rear end. This is an unusual method of self defense. By releasing their organs, the sea cucumber doesn't harm itself. It will still live on!

ウミヘビ？かと思いきや、ナマコだということです。ビルによると、後ろの細長いヒモみたいなものは、このナマコの内臓で、ナマコは危険が迫るとお尻から自分の内臓を出して自己防衛するのだとか。内臓を出すのが、なぜ自己防衛になるのか？相手を驚かせるため？
ビルにさっそくメールで聞いてみましょう！






Sunrise over Iriomote Island













My bed last night
The stars were absolutely amazingI slept like a dream

ビルのより新しい私の寝袋を今回この旅行のためにビルに盗られました・・・。

A Beach Morning Glory out to great the new morning. The upper beach dunes are a veritable pasture land of these beautiful flowers and all their succulent vines