The Beginning of the End

Well, the end has begun. Our schedule has dramatically changed, leaving more time for getting things finished up and packing. This morning we did a photo walk. It was 5 1/2 hours of almost constant hiking up and down, all through the reserve. We got to see the laguna in daylight (we went there during sat. camp to do an amphibian survey at night), hiked some trails I had not yet been on, and we ended at the cascada and went for a swim! I finally got a picture of the most common dart frog here, the sanguine dart frog.

It was a really nice hike, but I always enjoy walking through the forest. We didn't see much wildlife aside from different bugs but the various plants are an amazing sight in themselves. I can't get over the diversity on one tree. I haven't counted the number of different species on one tree but I can imagine the number would be shocking.

It was a rough hike with all of the hills and we really didn't stop too much - just two real breaks. But when we finally got to the cascada and jumped into the cool water, it was all worth it. I have photos! However, after the swim, it was a long hike uphill, a steep hill. I had already finished off my water (close to two liters) and the hike up nearly finished me off. By the time I got back to camp, my head was pounding. I drank lots of Gatorade but the headache wouldn't go away. Now, over six hours later, it is still here, pounding away. I tried to take a nap but it didn't help. I am about to call it a night. Of course I have to go take my cold shower first. Then I get to go sleep in my bed with the six-inch roaches (literally) hanging out on the back side of the bed post right by my head. Fortunately they can't get into my bed. Thank goodness for mosquito nets! It doesn't keep the pestering, biting sand flies away but it will keep the big bugs away. I have tried to chase them away but they keep coming back. I only have three more nights to share with them so I guess I'll survive.

I hope my husband is reading this because I want him to know that I am sorry I haven't called. Yesterday I was super busy until after dark and today my headache kept me from making to steep trek up to the tower. I am actually using the camp's wi-fi signal for the Internet, saving me money and sparing me the hike up there. Even though we have the Internet here, we still don't have a phone signal. So, Russ, please know I love and miss you. Please give the boys my love and lots of hugs and kisses. I'll try to call tomorrow.

To Conor's parents: He was happy to hear from you guys and was smiling from ear to ear while reading it. We all got a kick out of the info. you shared! Thanks!

Well, I need to remove my eyes from this screen as I believe it is making the headache worse. I'll try to write tomorrow but for now it' Good Night!