STRI

Wow, we've done so much in only three days. Yesterday, we spent on the pacific ocean at the STRI NAOS research center. We had a great lecture by Dr. Mark Torchin on invasive species studies and then we spent the afternoon focused on molecular bio studies emphasizing genetic studies. Incredible stuff. Also, the kids found a two toe sloth sleeping under the bench at the Punta Culebra station. Needless to say, they got some very good photos. Today we went to Barro Colorado Island, the main STRI field station. Dr. Lewis and his wife Cathy joined us as we hiked through the forest and studied plants, insects, monkeys, birds and more. Probably the best science class they've ever had. Right now, we are just a few minutes before dinner and they are exhausted; happy, but whooped. Tonight, we have a lecture at 7 by Dr. Juan Mate on coral reef diversity as a pre trip briefing on our trip to the STRI Atlantic station Galeta. That part of the trip will include reef studies, water quality studies and mangrove studies. We'll be back at Gamboa on June 18, then to San Blas on the 19th. Kids are all healthy and happy.