Surprise!

Surprise! I have internet access! We just got off the boat in Puerto Jiminez. Today was the first day of volunteering with the whales and dolphins and it was amazing. We got so lucky and saw both species of dolphins here in Golfo Dulce AND whales.

Its the season for humpback whales to migrate into golfo dulce with their babies. We were very lucky to see 5 whales today! Two mamas and two babies and one off in the distance. I asked David, our leader if the whales ever jumped up and he said no. I guess jumping draws too much attention to them and puts the baby in danger. However, all of a sudden a mama and her baby start jumping in the air and thrashing back down into the water. It took my breath away. There was two whales jumping right in front of us, a rarity for this to happen!

Another burst of luck as we found a group of about 24 dolphins towards the end of the day. David says he has not seen this group since 2008 and it was very exciting to spot them. It was truly an amazing day, I can't wait to go out again.

I have not explained exactly what the volunteer work consists of. In short, we are here to collect scientific data in order to provide proof to the government that Golfo Dulce is a critical habitat for the whales and dolphins. With the data we help collect, they will present it to the Costa Rican government in hopes that Golfo Dulce will become a protected area for the species. It is so amazing to be part of a project that will help protect this place.

On the other hand, our other job includes collecting data about the poison dart frog population in the jungle. We have made two treks through the jungle so far and it is gorgeous as well. The first day we spotted 4 frogs and the second day 2 frogs and a family of monkeys.

It is so different to catch these animals out in the wild instead of in a zoo behind bars. You really can see them the way they are supposed to be, and I think that is really cool.

Yesterday we had a free day and me and Will went off on our own and rented kayaks. It was about $3.00 for both of us and that was great as well. There is something about being out on the open water surrounded by the jungle that makes you feel a little humble, that the world is a lot bigger than you imagined.

I wish I had more time to tell about where we are staying/ what we have been up to. I have so much to say and share. I feel like the time here has been so laid back and meaningful. I cannot wait to write in more detail about EVERYTHING.

I will have more opportunities to write, as we come into Puerto Jimenez for the whale and dolphin work. Also I will have internet access on my birthday, next thursday. We have that day free as well and we plan on coming into Puerto Jimenez again.

Until next time