Four Hours in the Rainforest

To my second grade friends - poison dart frogs invaded the stairs on our way to breakfast! They were very tiny measuring about an inch. This species was black with green spots. We made it past them safely without touching their poisonous skin. I didn't get my camera out quickly enough, but now that I know where these dangerous amphibians hang out, I'll try to capture an image for you.

Day 1 as an assistant researcher proved to be memorable. We SLOWLY crept along a leafy path with Dr. Willis observing plant adaptations, insects, birds, and  mammals. Do you think the rainforest is a quite place? NOT! The forest is almost as loud as the city! Cicadas make a loud, high-pitched chain saw noise, birds are calling, howler monkeys are warning, branches are breaking and leaves are falling. Dr. Willis could "name that tune" within seconds as she explained what we were hearing. Everything except the cicadas and howler monkeys sounded like a bird to me. Most of the animal action took place over our heads in the canopy. I did however capture some cool fungi and forest floor pics.

Accommodations

Many moons ago there was a western adventure movie called "Dances With Wolves." I'm on a rainforest adventure so I've decided that my rainforest name is now, "Teacher Who Sleeps With Big Bugs." Squeals and shrieks were the sounds coming from Mrs. Browne as we entered our room and were greeted by the scurrying of roaches, ants, centipedes, and a katydid around our feet, up the walls, and under our beds! We created a face paced fancy foot work dance in order to take care of the situation. Do you think we got much shut eye? This creepy crawler was around 5 inches long.

 

Barro Colorado Island Arrival

Before catching the boat to the island, we went to see the Panama Canal. Ships were raised and lowered through a series of locks. It was fascinating to watch! This year they are expanding the canals to accommodate ships that carry 12,500 containers! We can see the ships pass by our island on their way to the canal.

 

We caught a small speed boat shuttle to the island. Disappointingly, no crocodiles were on shore to greet us. We would have loved a toothy-grinned welcome. We've been told that the water is absolutely full of them and it is not safe to walk around the grounds near the dock. We have a second story walk-way to travel between buildings.

The Old City

Beautiful hand made appliqué pieces called molas are made by the native Kuni women. They dress up in their native costumes and you must buy something from them in order to take their pictures. They are shrewd business women.

 
It's almost time for Carnival. Check out the cools masks.

Panama City

As I mentioned previously, drivers here seem to be preparing for a new 2016 Summer Olympic Event called "competitive driving." Here are some hazards from practicing this dangerous sport. Mrs. Browne and I had to side-step wreckage along sidewalks.

 

What's faster that your average McDonalds? It's a mini McDonalds! Now that's what I call down-sizing!