Day 2

Settling in – July 2, 2019

Our group had an action packed day filled with new experiences, adventures, and learning.

The day began with everyone gathering for a hearty Samay Glamping breakfast. All of the Earthwatch participants made it to the meeting point and breakfast talk was full of excited chatter about our full day ahead of us.

Dani briefed us on our itinerary for the day and Santiago promised to share highlights of the natural features as we drove.

Our first stop was in a small town for rubber boots and miscellaneous supplies and snacks. A second stop for a break had many of us wondering what the interesting snack Santiago has secured. It was cochos and was an unique mixture of beans, popcorn, onions, and tomatoes all in a citrus tomato juice with more citrus on the top. Ceviche without fish? Delicious!

Everyone was happy to see the Guango bridge had been replaced after being washed out recently but the road still had several spots that were partially washed out or covered in water. As promised, along the way Santiago pointed out the different climate zones and their features as we passed through them.

Our driver Luis did a great job safely transporting us all on the rutted roads and we arrived to Yanayacu under sunny skies excited to finally be in the place we’ve all been thinking about so much since being selected about Earthwatch fellows and we all feel fortunate to be here. Jose met our bus and once the luggage unloaded welcomed us officially and gave a brief introduction to the station. We were all given our rooms and a bit of time to settle until lunchtime.

Lunch was abuzz with discussion about our post lunch activities and what was in store for the rest of the afternoon. After lunch, along with Dani, Santiago, and Wilmer, we headed out to the road just outside of Yanayacu. Everyone had collection bags and we began the process of learning to locate caterpillars on their host plants. The weather held for most of the time but seemed to rain just in time for the partial solar eclipse. As participants we all felt successful and everyone was able to bag at least one sample.

We returned to the station and had a bit of time until dinner. Ellen led a workshop for us and just as we were finishing Dr. Dyer arrived. Perfect timing!

After dinner Dr. Dyer delivered a lecture based on the research of his group. He talked about