I was like a giggly child when I came across that guy (lizard)...I immediately ran up to the van and showed my wife how big it was (again...talking of the lizard). Strangely, he is the most beautiful lizard I seen in that area...he was actually a bit more away from the largest rocks, and close to the longggg dirt road that leads to a rancher's house. I seen a few taking advantages of fence posts along the road, and they always had a nice rock to retreat too. in Kong's case he retreated to a small one and I was able to work on my lift/inspect for snake/grap technique. LOL.
My kids still talk about that trip (what was it, three years ago now? The rancher had a litter of puppies every time I've stopped by...I guess I time it about the same every year. My kids stayed inside and played with the pups while I herped the hills. The old man that lives there was not too keen on the idea of my kids being up on the hill due to the venomous snakes in the area. I couldn't agree more, although I still haven't seen one in that area. It's crazy what I will go through to make a quick herp trip. In the car for 24 hours (round trip)...got me a pair, and Kong for you...I couldn't find a female, so you got a super-sized male 
I'll always remember the hospitality they showed me there...invited my friend and I in the first time I showed up at their drive, asking if I could look for lizards. She offered coffee cake and black coffee...those folks like it strong! I think I was spitting grains out of my teeth for the next hour. I hate coffee, but didn't want to refuse their offer. I never drink coffee...because of this, I have associated the coffee to my trip. It is very hypnotic...anytime I want now, I can sip some black coffee, close my eyes, and be taken back to that day.
Glad he has found your home Eve...he has adapted so well in your care. Personally, I will never collected anything that large again for myself...just too much work. I prefer the youngin's with some color now. They seem to adapt so much quicker....and they don't bite as hard at first ;P I will also never forget it when you got him...I was trying to hold out and not let you know how nice he was...hearing your excitement made my trip worth while. Chili and Spice also came from that trip...sadly, my children were too small to get involved.
John
