Good morning to those running on average amounts of sleep!
Yesterday was yet another well-packed day. We started out the day
with our final (but as usual, delicious) meal at Finca la Anita. We then hopped
on the bus to head to Horizontes with visions of remote beaches and warm sun in
mind. Along our journey we stopped in Liberia for a little souvenir
shopping...perhaps some of you lucky readers will be receiving some of our
purchases. We then continued in the bus for two more hours before arriving at Horizontes.
We were greeted by a major heat wave as we explored our new destination. Under the guidance of John Doleman, we set out to observe the mutualistic relationship between pseudomyrmex ants and acacia trees. We then broke for dinner in which we enjoyed pasta and vegetables.
At eight we set out for in hopes of finding a sea turtle preparing to lay her eggs. We traveled to a remote beach that has been barely developed by human beings and set up "base camp". Groups were sent out to the north and the south in search of turtle tracks. About an hour after our first patrol Pablo spotted a turtle track not far from where we were located. Our excitement due to this rarity overflowed although we had to stay silent in order to not spook the nesting turtle.
After about forty minutes we began to watch the 250 pound creature form her nest. During this process we watched her move about 2,000 pounds of sand before laying 115-120 eggs. It was a highlight for everyone to be just ten feet away from her as she laid her eggs. After about twenty exhausting minutes, she began to cover her eggs with sand. An hour later she began the grueling journey from the nest back to the ocean. Due to the drought, she struggled to climb out of the nest and return to the ocean. During this time we all helped guide her towards her destination. As she finally entered the ocean we all felt relief and pride that she has finally completed her quest.
When we finally arrived back at Horizontes around twelve thirty, there was nothing we wanted more than a good night's rest. We all woke up this morning in awe of our experience at the beach.
Signing off,
Julia Sullivan and Lauren Debertin
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