Today started off at a time no one should ever wake up, 5:40 am. It was unbearable but totally worth it once you hear what we did! We had a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage, fresh watermelon and pineapple. Then, me (Alyssa) and Ashley rode in the van with Eddie! We listened to Camille's music, which is questionable at times in its variety. It made the drive fun. Along the drive, we saw at least 30 Blue Morpho butterflies which are vibrant blue and absolutely gorgeous! Pablo, the living legend, according to his vast knowledge has never before seen so many awesome blue butterflies dancing in their graceful way. When we arrived we met our guide, Freddy, and hiked 3 km, seeing impressive vegetation, waterfalls, and insects, until we got to some volcanic hot springs. Alyssa had a traumatic experience in the river because she has a hole in her boot and got her foot wet. Aaron forgot water shoes and put volcanic mud on himself to exfoliate himself and others also did that too. (Hi mom this is Aaron btw). Ashley, Alyssa, Katie, and Lily all enjoyed rubbing themselves with rocky dirt to smooth out their skin. The hot springs were very beautiful and an exotic color for the rain forest (or dry forest).
Ashley also had a traumatic experience with some fire ants when she was changing back into her boots (they hurt a lot when they bite). When we hiked back, Freddy explained the difference between the wet and dry forests and that the volcano makes them able to exist next to each other. He also pointed out some Long-tailed Manikin calls and Golden Orb Weavers. We then hiked to a waterfall which was big and beautiful and misty. People took lots of pictures. After we hiked back to the picnic area, we saw the other bus driver holding baby possums which were super cute and soft! Audrey, Meredith's adorable daughter really liked them. We had a delicious picnic of sandwiches, chips, juice, and cookies.
Back at the ranch, we changed out of our wet, dirty clothes and got ready for an afternoon of science. Ashley and the Dr. Boomba Squad successfully transitioned between experiments and tested our new experiment twice each on two different colonies. Alyssa and Aaron, apart of Atta Boy, got a lot accomplished too! We were very scientific looking with our gloves, dishes, and scientific utensils. The 4 Hormigos learned a lot about pheromones and where ants will follow them today. They are still trying hard. M.O.T.H. mass murdered hundreds of ants for science today!! They are very far in their experimental process.
We had lasagna for dinner, with salad and plantain chips. The real highlight of the meal was the raspberry ice cream on top of the dark chocolate spread for dessert. Aaron feels that it is important to mention that the best quality of chocolate is slightly red and at least 82% cacao.
On a completely unrelated note, Fletcher saw a green snake on the hike and Ashley captured a rhino beetle in the classroom. Lots of people got to see the 60+ (total) Blue Morpho's and the agouti in the woods. (It's kind of like a cross between a squirrel, a wombat, and a rabbit). The Four-eyed possums bear mentioning again because they were so adorable.
Tomorrow is a full day of science (roughly 8 hours) so hopefully we will be well rested. That's why this is wrapping up.
The End
- A team
Aaron, Alyssa, and Ashley
Blue Morpho Butterfly
A cool spiral plant
People at the pools
Everyone at the hot springs
Ashley and Camille
Weismann brothers
Audrey having fun
Aaron in sulfur pool
Waterfall
Both possums
Kids crossing river
Attaboy working on their experiments! Nice classroom!
Adios!
Ashley also had a traumatic experience with some fire ants when she was changing back into her boots (they hurt a lot when they bite). When we hiked back, Freddy explained the difference between the wet and dry forests and that the volcano makes them able to exist next to each other. He also pointed out some Long-tailed Manikin calls and Golden Orb Weavers. We then hiked to a waterfall which was big and beautiful and misty. People took lots of pictures. After we hiked back to the picnic area, we saw the other bus driver holding baby possums which were super cute and soft! Audrey, Meredith's adorable daughter really liked them. We had a delicious picnic of sandwiches, chips, juice, and cookies.
Back at the ranch, we changed out of our wet, dirty clothes and got ready for an afternoon of science. Ashley and the Dr. Boomba Squad successfully transitioned between experiments and tested our new experiment twice each on two different colonies. Alyssa and Aaron, apart of Atta Boy, got a lot accomplished too! We were very scientific looking with our gloves, dishes, and scientific utensils. The 4 Hormigos learned a lot about pheromones and where ants will follow them today. They are still trying hard. M.O.T.H. mass murdered hundreds of ants for science today!! They are very far in their experimental process.
We had lasagna for dinner, with salad and plantain chips. The real highlight of the meal was the raspberry ice cream on top of the dark chocolate spread for dessert. Aaron feels that it is important to mention that the best quality of chocolate is slightly red and at least 82% cacao.
On a completely unrelated note, Fletcher saw a green snake on the hike and Ashley captured a rhino beetle in the classroom. Lots of people got to see the 60+ (total) Blue Morpho's and the agouti in the woods. (It's kind of like a cross between a squirrel, a wombat, and a rabbit). The Four-eyed possums bear mentioning again because they were so adorable.
Tomorrow is a full day of science (roughly 8 hours) so hopefully we will be well rested. That's why this is wrapping up.
The End
- A team
Aaron, Alyssa, and Ashley
Hiking
Possum on Christian's shoulder
Kids crossing river
Attaboy working on their experiments! Nice classroom!
Adios!
