Feb 12 (Click for photos)
At about about 5:00 pm we went loaded up our picnic supper and traveled to the top of a steep hill adjacent to “La Casona.” There is a monument at the top of this strategically important hill that commemorates those who died in the Battle of Santa Rosa. We ate supper as the sun set and the view and ambience were spectacular. Juan remarked that it was like sitting on top one of the temples in Tikal in Guatemala that overlooks the expanding jungle, and I agreed. (We had been there with a 2005 CSW course.) After the sun had set, we returned to La Casona, before setting back to the field station for a long night hike, meandering through roads and back trails. We saw nightjars, many insects, scorpions, and frogs. The prize of the night was a beautiful boa. They are not dangerous but need to be treated with respect. We returned at about 8:00 and the students set in packing and just enjoying the last night at the station.
When we returned the internet had gone down! We were unable to email or post. In Atenas communication by phone and internet will be both better and more predictable. The students are doing well. Some had to rest a little after our long day at Volcán Rincón de la Vieja, but all were positive about the coming day. This day was not so physically demanding, and the students were very productive. Almost everyone is a little nervous about heading into their homestay, and that is normal. Realize that we are on central time so the posts may be a little late for some of you. We’re looking forward to the next stage. More to come soon.