Day 5: Batipa Tour & Conservation Samples Hike

Today was interesting and super tiring. Our group got to see Edmundos (Batipa Director) on the tour of the lands. It was super informal! It kind of ignites a fire in my mind where I would attempt to replicate this model of innovation and research with hopes of providing a similar experience to this trip. The research here is very cool, and I really appreciate how Edmundo is crazy about his work and the goals, the people, and this place. We got to tour their cattle, some fields for their crops, and the lumber mill where they briefly described their business. This is all super interesting to me since the work here can make a real difference in different ways.

I also love the Ngobe Bugle guides! Victoria helped us swiftly move through the forest. It was harder today since our hike was extended but not by much. We made it up about 50% of the conservation area. Collecting our samples was sweaty work! Very annoying but we get to do it, you know? I’m grateful for the opportunity. Back to Victoria and their knowledge of the lands, it is awesome to see the way the people know the lands so well. Clearing the path of any plants that would pose any discomfort. This helped tremendously since my arms were not itchy or irritated, and we made good time. I like hiking but let me tell you- I have NEVER been so sweaty and I will likely never have so much again! It was crazy and I am a heavy sweater already.

Anyway, we got to see an iguana on the tree and some monkeys on the way down. I don’t have an image of the iguana, but it was about a meter long with claws visible from about 30 feet away. It was about a quarter up a very tall tree and didn’t move an inch. We kept on and finished collecting samples, but it was a cool sight. A first for me.


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