Not once would I have ever imagined that I would enjoy sticking my hand in a tub filled with 30 long-legged spiders. Or that the childhood arts and crafts skills would come to use as I color in the small backs of the harvestman with non-toxic markers, and run them a make-shift arena out of cardboard box. It has been a while since I have felt so intoxicated with fascination with such a seemingly small and simple thing – spending hours each day digging around in the darkest areas of the forest trying find as many of the little known jewels, then bringing them back to photograph every type. It is amazing what things one would find by just probing around in the leaf litter or crevices of a tree root. Just by spending time to look in places seldom looked at, we have found 18 different harvestman types, lots of interesting frogs, ants and wasp nests, strange critters, but no snakes (not to the dismay of Ben). These animals are not the most likely to create excitement for, but are definitely the hidden treasures of the forest that are easily overlooked.

It is so easy to take for granted simple things. Back home where life is comfortable, and everything is accessible, be it items or information, the pace of each day is like a constant race. Travelling is a chore not a journey, communication is in the hand, and food prepared in minutes in a microwave. There is no pause in the works of the daily routine, no energy to spare on the small things for enjoyment, or for individual reflection. This style of living created a growing gap between achieving a goal and the motivation and passion for the cause. I had forgotten the reason why I fell in love with what I set out to do. Thankfully, this trip has given me the opportunity to take two steps back to slow down and regain those moments lost. With limited forms of technology and a simple daily routine, I began to see lots of things fall back in place.

My favorite moments on this trip have been the times where I feel removed from my surroundings. Not by actively seeking things, nor being distracted by personal chatter; but just sitting and waiting for nature to reveal itself in its own time. Small things like watching light rays peak through the forest canopy at day break and hearing the forest come to life with songs make the moment seem timeless. Or the times where an agouti and its two babies walked up to me first thing in the morning. So many things are indescribable and I cannot wait to come back and visit the rainforest.