July 1,

We awoke and repacked (we had laundry done here, so had some sorting.) Had our breakfast – same, same, but so good. Our smoothies were with more banana today. We went back to our room and got things all together. Jeff took one bag down and I brought other stuff. One of the staff brought down our other bag. When we came to the car, another staff was washing CB! That was so nice and not expected at all! Loaded up, saying good bye the great staff here at Seyara and we headed out around by 1000.

We don't have far to drive today. We are going to Sigiriya, as our final destination, only about about 1.5 hours. Our route takes along a smaller lake, Giritale Wewa and then a larger one, Minneriya Wewa. As we skirt this larger lake we are also skirting Minneriya National Park. We spot a clearing and pulled over because right there… an Elephant!! He was a distance away, but minding his own business and having a snack! I took pictures, but he was far enough away that I would need a real zoom camera to get a great shot of him. But WOW! Our first wild elephant in Sri Lanka! We kept our eyes peeled after this. We did see Monkeys, a Mongoose, and  Lizards, but no more Elephants.

Now we took a detour to Ritigala… 'a hilly forest and a place of Buddhist worship. The monastery is named after the 40m tall Ritigala trees in the mid slopes of the hill; this Buddhist monastery has inscriptions that date back to 1st century BC.', sited from internet source. We parked CB and paid $12.50 foreigner cost for our entrance fee. We then follow a nicely constructed path through the forest of great trees with huge wrapping buttress type roots to the ruins. We see more monkeys, and lots of butterflies all along the way.

The first ruin is of the Benda Pokuna. It's a large pond with a big retaining wall built of stone like steps, making seem like a huge step-well. This was the water supply for the Bhikkhu Monastery which lived in this forest complex. We continue on along the stone path, crossing a stone foot bridge that the monks designed to aid in storm water flow. Next we saw the Jantaghara, or Hot Water Bath. Here were some examples of grinding stones/mills. The bath was of warm to hot water supposedly to aid with healing herbal remedies. Next the path opened to the first of three pedestrian rest areas(?.. Questions?) They are circular areas along the path. Different. Another ruin is the Padhanaghara, or Meditation Hall. It was in this ruin a preserved Urinal stone was tucked in a corner… Hmmm. Moving on. We came to an off path to an overlook area. Quite a lovely vista. We had to cross another foot bridge to get there, it would be something else when floods of water flow under it.     

Now we head back, I almost was attacked by a wasp, thankfully I diverted that. But I did get bit by a fire ant(?) It was black, but it stung for quite awhile. Anyway, we arrived back to CB in one piece. Just as we were ten feet from our car a “flutter(group) of butterflies were taking advantage of some water someone had poured on the ground. They were a light green/blue dancing around there bounty. It was quite a sight!

We loaded up and now head back to the road to Sigiriya. Just as we made it to real paved road, the largest white spotted deer we had seen here, came out of the trees, touched its front hooves on the pavement and then bounded clearing to the other side of the road in the ditch!! Like that… it was gone! So graceful and fast. Amazing! 

We found and arrived at our place for the next three nights, Sigiriya Rock Hide. We were given the option of a first floor room or a second. We looked at both and chose the second floor. Then we were taken up to the third floor for a welcome smoothie and to take in the view of Sigiriya Rock! Stunning! We did not remember we could see it from here. We are going to go up it tomorrow. Now, we finished our smoothie then we had a late lunch here of one veggie/egg stir-fried rice and one chicken stir-fried rice. 

Afterward we went and dipped in the pool; did a couple of laps; and relaxed. Supper was light – crackers and spicy snack. Then we went to bed around eight PM – we have early morning plans!