Itsy bitsy spider

Well, not very itsy. And not at all bitsy. Rather on the large side, in fact.

Ok, I'll be completely honest. It's HUGE!!

Like in "Aaaargh! There's a monster looking down at me!"

I estimate it's longest legs to a healthy 6cm each.

I was hanging between palms, 3 meters over the path to the beach bar from Whitesands Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya. Probably feeding on thirsty tourists.

I think I know how Sam Gamgee felt when he met Shelob.

 

Identified as a Nephila, Golden silk orb-weaver, by vwla and confirmed by peregrin@.

Subspecies still unknown.

- If it turns out I've discovered a new species, I'd like to name it Nephilia Thirstyvinsryggensis :-)

Done