Overall we spent 6 days in the jungle and 3 on the boat. The jungle days consisted of collecting poison dart frog data. We hiked through thick mud, lifting up leaves and looking in tree roots for the frogs. Over the 6 days we found 72 frogs- and 3 species we were looking for. Also all the hiking added up to about 45km (about 28 miles). The days in the jungle were a success, as we managed to get photo ID for almost all the frogs for the database.
The days in the boat were also very effective! We found 7 groups of spotted dolphins, 7 groups of bottlenose dolphins, and 6 groups of humpback whales. There was something that changed inside of me after seeing them in the wild. The way they glided through the water, socializing with each other, it somehow felt right. All my other experiences with dolphins and whales in captivity now felt wrong.
They aren't meant to be in a confined, clear water tank. They are not meant to jump on our commands, or wave their flippers towards us. We aren't meant to swim with them, and have them kiss our faces. They are wild creatures, and they deserve a life of freedom, not confined to the entertainment tanks of SeaWorld.
I guess that's the thing that the volunteer project changed in me the most. How important conservation, wildlife conservation is. Lenny, one of the project leaders shared with us that less than 1% of the worlds oceans are Marine Protected Areas. Less than 1%. The ocean seems like a bountiful resource that we can't exhaust, but we can. Walking away from this project has made me realize that protecting what is still pristine, and untouched (like Golfo Dulce) has made it to the top of my priorities.
Yesterday was my 20th birthday (my 2nd birthday abroad!) ironically it was our free day, so we took the bus to Puerto Jimenez for swimming and lunch. When we returned to El Chontal, Danyi, our project leader said we had to go up to the dining area. He said Doña Susy was upset because we broke something on the property, and she needed to talk to all of us. When we walked up there, I was stressed out, I didnt want her to think we were disrespectful or anything! Well as we walk up, they bring out a big chocolate cake for me. Turns out Will had been planning this surprise for a few days, and while we were swimming, he had other members of the group go out and buy the cake. It was so sweet and thoughtful of everyone, and I was SO surprised.
Its strange to me to think I'm in my twenties now. I'm into a whole new decade of my life. I began to reflect on the major things that happened in my teens. Good memories and accomplishments flooded my thoughts, and I don't think I would have had it any other way.
As I look to my future I don't know what to expect, but I know what I can hope for: truth, adventure, growth, love and the warmth of sharing those things with the people I hold dear. Thanks to everyone who has made the first 20 years worthwhile. More stories soon.
No comments:
Post a Comment