Today was a very interesting day, one that began with waking
up in Veragua to the aray of different noises from all of the creatures roaming
in the nearby forest. We were all given a little time to get ready for the day
and walk over to breakfast. Today, we got to eat pancakes and they were
delicious. It was so new to get to have something more American than the usual
Costa Rican cuisine; it was a nice little change to mix up our meals.
After breakfast, we were able to experience what goes on
with frog research at Veragua. We all went over to the lab located on the
grounds, and learned about what Jose (the scientist/researcher in charge of the
project) does in his work. Lined on the walls of the laboratory were various
articles showing all of the amazing feats he has accomplished. It was beyond
the word "amazing" to see what he has done. There were also pictures
and actual creatures hung up on the walls, displaying what he has been able to
see and do.
Jose showed us one of his current undertakings: artificial
frogs used to determine the behaviors of their very real counterparts. It was
so interesting to see how animals interact. After learning about the frogs, we
found out that we would be helping build a habitat for the endangered Tiger
Frog. From there, we all walked down through the rain forest to our work area.
The forest, no matter how many times we go into it, is breathtaking. So many
creatures, so many plants, just so much to see. There is really nothing to
compare with these sights.
We got down to the area where we would be creating the frog
habitats and broke off into teams. Jose explained that we needed particular
plants to help shade the frog ponds. These kinds of plants, we were told,
provide both shade and security for the frogs. Once the activity started, it
proved to be harder and much muddier than the guides made it look. But, we all
worked together to excavate the plants, using team work both to contribute to
this research, and to bond. It was so much fun!
When we finished, we all hiked back up the rain forest trail
and returned to our rooms to clean off, pack up to leave, and eat lunch
together. Another amazing lunch to add to our list! Unfortunately, it was now
our time to leave. We had to say goodbye to all of our guides and instructors;
it was a sad moment. They were all so much fun to work with and learn from. The
humility that beamed off of them was intoxicating and created a great learning
environment. But the time to go came, and we all packed up the bus and moved
on.
From there, we were on our way to Estacion las Tortugas. On
the way, we were able to stop at a banana plantation and learn about the
impacts those facilities have on Costa Rica. We came to understand that rainy
seasons flood the plantations and ruin crops, so they built a dam to cut off
the river flow. The plantations also hugely influenced the people because the
pesticides that were sprayed on the crops can harm the health of the people
nearby. It was very interesting to learn about this because we saw how close
the people are to the plants and how much work they put into their livelihoods.
As we walked away, we threw rocks into the river and saw how they beautifully
skipped across to the far bank. It was a fantastic way to finish the excursion.
Now we were really on our way to Tortugas. We arrived at the
side of the river, where a little boat was waiting for us. We all helped to
unload the bus and load up the boat. After donning our life jackets we took off
for our fun river adventure. We saw so many animals! Birds, lizards, monkeys,
they were all so exciting, it was almost overwhelming. Arriving at las Tortugas
it was such a shock to see how this little community lives. They all work
together to obtain all of their every day necessities and want for nothing more.
It was truly an inspirational sight.
Upon arrival, we were introduced to Flora, a kind hearted
woman who explained all of the basics of the island. We learned about their
work with the turtles and the dedication and love within the community. After
her introduction, she explained that our schedule for the evening included a
small break time, lunch, more free time, dinner, and at long last, our first
turtle patrol. She explained that, for the turtle patrol, we would break up
into two teams and then we would walk up and down two sections of the beach to
see if any turtles had come up to deliver their eggs. For free time, most of us
had fun exploring the beach or laying in the hammocks beneath the coconut
trees. It was so relaxing, and we had a moment to experience what it might be
like to live on this secluded island; truly a tranquil moment.
As a plus, the meals were muy delicioso! Every meal we've
experienced has been good, but these were so homemade and tasty. We were all
given a task, either to set up or clean up, and we were able to feel like part
of the team. As the day moved on, we were given the opportunity to have a
little down time for a nap before our late night turtle patrol.
Then we met in our groups to take on the challenge. Half of
the group tromped up and down the first part of the beach and were lucky enough
to come across an astounding turtle laying her eggs. To experience a love being
brought into the world is phenomenal, and really put into perspective what we
were trying to do for these creatures and the world. It was a moment that none
present will forget. The other half of our group was able to walk on the second
half of the beach, bordering poacher territory. To be able to be that close to
the area and feel the impact of trying to save these beautiful creatures was
empowering. It was another moment of epiphany: understanding the difference we
were making for these animals. As we finished our patrol and returned to our
starting point, the lights of our home base offered a feeling of home. It brought
us together to feel that family spirit and we were able to fall asleep both
accomplished and excited.
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