Create your Trip Journal [click here]Walked around the area of the hotel during the daylight hours. Took the advice of the locals and ate dinner at the hotel and stayed in for the evening. We were tired anyways and knew we were in for another action packed vacation so we retired early. The next morning was going to be an early one!
Getting to any destination is half the fun. Speaking very little to no Spanish had us wondering if we were on the right track to the lodge. When the boat arrived we were relieved and excited to be on the next leg of our journey. We were welcomed like royalty but asked to be treated like one of the scientists. What a great way to see how they spent their days (and nights). We loved eating by the glow of a Christmas bulb (followed by candles when the car battery lost its solar charge) and the excitement of seeing the world's largest turtles sent chills down our sweaty, sticky backs. The howler monkeys were also very cooperative when it came to taking their pictures. The capuchins...not so much.
Last night was successful! What amazing gifts from heaven. These turtles travel thousands of miles, survive hundreds of obstacles and find their way back to this little spit of beach every couple of years to lay almost 100 eggs at a time, a couple times per season, in the hopes that one more generation will make it to maturity. What a primal drive! I imagine the only thing better than seeing this miracle on land would be to dive with them in the ocean. I'll keep my eyes open on the next dive!
We visited the north station today and then took the crew across the river for some cold brews. We hadn't had anything cold, except for a shower, in days. How refreshing!
This afternoon we escavated a nest and found some babies that hadn't found their way out last night. Some made it to the ocean, others we mourned. We're hoping for another successful turtle watch tonight.
