Caught between a Komodo Dragon and a hard place

You see, what had happened was...

On this ominous stratonimbus studded day, we traversed through MacRitchie Reservoir to check out the tree top walk. Little did I know I was about to be bullied for the first time in my life (barring the jumping bikes over my head and other bullying from Mike and Ben Comer in the late and great 90s)

So it all started by almost stepping on this little (highly venomous) guy, the Malaysian Coral Snake. Aint no thing-just some wildlife, recovered. 

After about 12k of hiking and a little rainstorm, I was led into a well executed trap by some clever Ray Ban predators. 

First accomplice, this swimming komodo dragon/monitor lizard. He did not play an active role but he secured restriction to exit by water.

Now, public enemy #1. We were just walking on our merry way and this guy jumped down out of the trees directly in front of us, separating our group. We were instructed by probably 10 signs not to make "direct eye contact" (he must be related to the basilisk from Harry Potter and Medusa). So this picture was taken at extreme risk.  

We were also warned that the monkeys here felt like any cameras, bags, bottles, SUNGLASSES, etc. were subject to their taking...and so it was. So once he came and stole Dona's water bottle out of her hand, two more of his cronies surrounded us. To recap, brazenly bold bottle snatcher monkey at our immediate 12 o'clock, side kick #1 at our 9 o'clock, komodo dragon at our 3 o'clock and one other monkey taking a lap, and all closing in. We were surrounded. 

So what were we to do? RUN! I Usain Bolt-ed out of there as fast as Comer-ly possible. Once I had reached a safe distance, I finally looked back only to realize my Ran Bans had been jacked. Do I dare step back into dragon and monkey territory?...and now in the rain. The outcome:

My Valentine from one of my coworkers 

Well, at least they are being put to good use. You're welcome you scoundrel. I got swindled.   

I'm Singing: "Survivor" -Destiny's Child