Category Archives: Week 1

from the field, Kathleen, Week 1

Embracing Uncertainty

A saying was shared with us at the beginning of this quarter: ”Anything that could possibly go wrong, will definitely go wrong.” There is no truer saying that could describe the bumpy start to the journey! With multiple hiccups on the way to Nicaragua – getting stuck at customs in and out of the two airports with action packs, missing personal backpacks at Managua, and a boat ride through the rapids all in twenty-four hours – the first day of the trip did not spare any surprises from us. What seemed like a well-tried procedure of getting to Refugio Bartola from LAX didn’t exactly turn out as planned.

This event definitely isn’t standalone in learning about the uncertainty of outcomes. Ben (my research buddy) and I woke up at 5am on the first of February for the grand start to our project only to be met with a rainstorm that washed all our plans away for the day. Or having set up a spider arena to study their aggression on prey, only to realize that all they did was stay still and wait for something to come along. Yet, not everything about uncertainty is doom and gloom. Just as the events that occurred during the journey pulled the class closer together in ways that could not have been otherwise, unexpected occurrences has given rise to some amazing moments.

Being here for just 4 days so far, I’ve seen incredible things: Howler monkeys as a daily alarm right outside our sleeping quarters, Spider monkeys crossing the river above our heads while in the canoe, a coral snake in one of the many night hikes with great company. Every step into the rainforest promises a realm of new possibilities and sights; and each day a great opportunity to learn more as we take strides in our research projects…each stride embracing the uncertainty to come!

from the field, Joey, Week 1

Diamonds in the Leaf Litter

Hello All,

It’s really incredible how slow time moves here. My day starts with either the explosion of rain on our tin roof or the ominous shrieking of Mantled Howler Monkeys.  From there I divide the time between meals with my two projects, trekking up and down canyons and wading through streams.  By the time I return to the rancho, my boots usually weigh another couple pounds from the mud that I’ve accrued in my journeys.   It is in that state that I’m now writing to you with my reflections from the past couple days.

The first thing I’ve learned in Nicaragua is the value of patience in fieldwork.  Nothing ever takes how long you think it will—sitting and waiting for an orchid bee is no exception. After twenty minutes of watching a log it is easy to get discouraged, but without notice the flash of iridescent green can make the whole wait worthwhile.

These past five days have been an exercise of perspective.  The first night, after settling into our rooms, a few of us went for our first hike.  We ventured for what seemed like quite a long time on a stretch of trail along the Rio San Juan, stopping and obsessing over every spider and frog we encountered.  In the light of day, we had barely stepped onto the trail network; the newness of our surroundings had completely captivated us.
With the beam of a headlamp, the trail paths look like diamond paved roads from the eye shine of the litter dwelling spiders.  What I wouldn’t dream of touching in the US now fascinate me beyond belief.  Driven by my awe of the immense species diversity and the smallness I feel among the towering canopy trees, I am braver and more alert than I ever imagined I would be.  I look forward to what changes I will see in the next couple weeks.

Best,

Joey

Callan, from the field, Week 1

New environment, new habits

Callen in a canoe on the Rio Bartola
Callen in a canoe on the Rio Bartola

Howler monkeys were outside my window this morning, growling deeply in response to the heavy downpour, which had began four hours prior around 2 am. These monkeys are usually my 5 am alarm clock; however, they were never as close as today—no echo was heard.

In general, it’s surprising, really, that I start my day at 5:30 am (3:30 am, California time), considering the fact that I actively choose 11 am-12 pm as my desired wake up time back home.

Here, I actually want to wake up early. I want to see the birds and the beautiful forest and sky waking up. To see the nocturnal animals retreating back to their secret burrows. To see the agoutis sneakily forage underneath fruit trees for fallen treats. To follow groups of spider monkeys to their destined location. Seeing all of these things makes the hard work worth it.

Another reason for waking up at this obscene hour is my new addiction to 6 am canoe trips. Going down the Rio Bartola my first morning trip, I spotted a rare sight: a river otter was riding alongside my boat! These animals have very little papers on them, besides dietary background. At first I thought it was a mutant anaconda from the critically acclaimed film, Anaconda, which religiously reruns on the Syfy channel. Oops.

But the downside is that my clothes get wet and nothing truly dries here. Wearing semi-wet mud crusted shirts and pants consecutively, in addition to my wet mud crusted boots, has really transformed and expanded my boundaries on hygiene. Cleanliness from showering (a very cold shower, I might add) lasts for a total of 2 hours, maybe. I do not really know if I will ever look at mud in the same light after this. Or showers. Or rubber boots, the most grateful and useful piece of gear.

In terms of my research project, my partner and I have finally got it down! At least, we think. But the good news is that this uncertainty is a well-known trend among my peers. No one here truly knows what he or she is doing. However, they are very humble because they are all unbelievably brilliant and hilarious, creatively modifying experiments quickly. Or simply helping one another out on furthering experiment ideas. In this upcoming week we will finally implement both of our behavior and conservation projects, so I am very excited.

By the way, Mom and Dad, there is a never-ending supply of fresh fruit juice at all three meals every single day. I may not leave.