Day 6

What has no head, but has eyes? CRABS! -Omar

Today was a day full of information and education. We began our morning at 6am with a very long hike through the jungle. Our tour guide Omar is seriously amazing. He is so full of information about the area, and could probably have his own survivor man TV show.

Within the first 10 minutes of our journey, we experienced a number of tastes and smells. We were shown a papaya tree, and we smelt and tasted lemongrass, cinnamon, bay leaf, clove, peppermint, citronella and tonic. We saw a starfruit tree, breadfruit, and nonis. A noni is a type of fruit that honestly tastes like blue cheese, but has many medical remedies within it...including helping to cure skin cancer. We tried coconut water, and the actual coconut and it was amazing. We were also shown a cacao tree.

As for animals, we saw a beautiful toucan, a sloth, and many spiders. These spiders are HUGE, and probably would make any of us pass out if we saw them in our homes. These spider's webs are strong enough to pull an airplane...and are called golden webbed spiders. We were shown many bats, that hide inside long overlapped leaves, an eyelash viper, and millipede. I also saw a yellow viper snake later in the day.

The only way I can explain what this hike was like, is if you think back to the George of the Jungle movie. we were literally walking through the jungle. Sometimes on a path, and sometimes not. There were many plants and trees that we couldn't touch, but Omar made sure we knew what was okay and what wasn't. Many of the trees actually covered in spikes, and they are camouflaged and you probably wouldn't know they were there until you punctured your skin with them.

We were under a canopy of trees, and also encountered any steep slopes that were up to our shins in slippery mud. Not only was today so amazing because of what we learned and experienced about the wildlife and habitat here, but we also learned a lot about teamwork. I would say that was the theme of the day for many reasons. Although many of us are athletes, and some would commonly go hiking and do outdoor types of activities, nobody could have prepared us for the steep muddy hills we had to go down and up. A lot of what made it difficult was that at types throughout the hike it was pouring rain, and also when falling and slipping we could not grab on to many types of trees or vines, or put our hands down in fear of gigantic fire ants. Therefore, we relied on the encouragement and help of each other to make it over these obstacles. I think some of us might have gotten very frustrated without each other's insightful words and 'cheering.'

Omar brought us to some great viewing points of the ocean as well. I think some of what we experienced to day is hard to put into words, so hopefully when I get a chance to put up some of the pictures you will get a better feel for it. All I know is this hike is an experience that none of us will ever forget. Thanks to Omar, we have such a stronger respect and admiration of the rain forest and all of its beautiful creatures.

After the hike, we cleaned up a bit (by the end we were COVERED in mud...and who knows what else), and then we headed over to the other bus stop, which is much smaller, to clean it up and paint it. Everybody did this project together, and worked extremely hard and efficiently so we were able to finish it today! :) While we are doing the work, it is so great to see people drive/walk/bike by and give us a thumbs up and say Pura Vida!

After this, Pablo brought Aubrie and I out for a once in a life time experience. We were brought to the ARA project center, to learn about the release about the Great Green Macaws in Costa Rica,  Not only did we get to speak with the volunteers, but we were able to view the beautiful birds in their natural habitat. The Ara project is a Costa Rican non-profit organization that breeds Scarlet and Great Green Macaws in captivity for the sole purpose of being released into the wild. The project has been successful with releasing 100 Scarlet Macaws in three locations over the past 15 years, and this year they were successful with their first ever Great Green Macaw release. Once previously very prevalent throughout the entire Caribbean side of Costa Rica, their range has decreased as much as 90%. The Ara project is extremely exciting, and 10 birds are the first of their kind to be bred and raised specifically for release. This is a wonderful new chapter for this highly endangered species.

Because this is so new, and these birds are highly intelligent and get attached very easily, Aubrie and I were insanely lucky to get this opportunity. This is a historical effort to save a species, and is the first of its kind to be successful. The birds are beautiful amazing creatures, and I cannot wait to share the pictures with you all. I am so happy to have been a part of this experience, and It is something I will take with me forever.

If you would like to help with the project in any way, make donations, or just learn more, you can contact Colline Emmanuelle, the Education and Community Outreach Manager, at colline@thearaproject.org   or visit the website at http://www.thearaproject.org/

I cannot believe that we only have one day left here. I think we might all cry on the plane ride home. Life here in paradise seems so much better than going back to Jersey and ordering books!!!

Pura Vida!

Photo's of day 6: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day6