Sunset Cruise

Welcome aboard the Sunset Cruise. You're about to embark on your own private tour in a charming canopy boat through one of the Pacific's most beautiful wetlands, home to abundant wildlife, especially birds. These backwaters formed when part of the original river branched off into a closed off lagoon. They're surrounded by atmospheric floodplains and mangroves, and with vast skies stretching in all directions, you can be assured of a glorious sunset as you relax and take in the sights tonight. But before setting off on your journey down the river, let's take a moment to do a short wind down exercise. Tonight's exercise is a really simple breathing exercise. So when you're ready, let's begin. So first, get yourself comfortable. Now, just bringing the attention to the breath and just noticing where you feel it, in the nose, the throat, the chest, the diaphragm. You're nice and relaxed. We're going to be taking a deep breath in for four, holding it for four, and then breathing out for six. So are you ready? Let's begin. In for four, two, three, four. Hold it for four, two, three, four. Now breathing out for six. Two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. In for four, two, three, four. Holding for four, two, three, four. Out for six, two, three, four, five, six. Great. Now returning the breath to normal. There's plenty of lush vegetation lining these waters, but here and there, a leafless shrub or tree strikes a dramatic pose, stark but beautiful against the sunset, its reflection a jagged sketch in the silvery water. Such trees are known as wildlife trees to ecology experts because, while they may look dead to us, they provide homes for numerous species of birds and mammals, as well as nourishing a whole world of insect life. This particular example has made a fine perch for a white-bellied sea eagle who sits there like a king on his throne, his dark wings folded and his talons effortlessly gripping the branch. What is he thinking as he peers down at the river? Perhaps he's congratulating himself on his roost as he winds down for the night. In the distance, a dispersed group of water buffalo graze on the stubbly grasses of the floodplains, while closer up, a bolder soul has waded into the river to cool off. Her broad, dark body navigates the water with unexpected grace, her elegant horns curving out and back like a striking hairdo. Tranquil and serene, the buffalo bathes. The water is touched with shimmering patches of pink and purple light. Now submerged up to her chest, the buffalo glances with a placid expression towards the boat. She's quite used to visitors and is perfectly content to mind her own business. But you...