Galapagos - June 16, 2010

Spent first night on Isabella Island after all day in and out of the boat. Heading to climb up a large semi- active volcano.(It last erupted 5 years ago) This afternoon we will relax on the beaches of Isabella before having PIZZA night. Though we love our cream soup, fish and rice, we are all very excited. Tomorrow we get to walk through Lava tunnels, see the flamingo pond and the wall of tears. We did see some Galapagos penguins yesterday. Having a great time!

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.

Galapagos-Update

Had a great day out on the water. Swam through a volcano channel and saw Galapagos sharks and a school of blue spotted rays before heading to a secluded beach. After lunch we PLAYED with baby sea lions, swam after a sea turtle and had a beautiful boat ride. We are now relaxing before herading to a BBQ. Tomorrow off to Isabella Island. All kids having a great time and remembering sunscreen. We probably will not have service until Friday, so this may be the last blog for a bit.

Galapagos - Monday

June 13 - We are going to swim with sharks today! We will spend our last night on San Cristobal tonight before we start island hopping. Kids and chaperones alike are having a blast!

Galapagos Update

June 12 - the overnight stay with families went GREAT! We headed to the university and did some snorkeling. We are having lunch at the usual spot watching sea lions, pelicans, the beautiful Pacific Ocean and soccer. Then we left the research station and headed into town for two nights. Everyone is having a great time.

Nexus STRI

We arrived safe and sound last night. Kids slept hard and woke up at 5:30 to go to the canopy tower to see the birds and animals wake up. They were amazed to see their first howler monkeys only feet away, at eye level from the canopy tower. We also saw the rare Geoffrey Tamarind and more toucans than we could count. Red Lore parrots were all around and the kids were beside themselves with excitement. Right now, as I type this, they are being lectured by a STRI staff scientist about the history of STRI. All is well and I'll try to send a group email or blog as much as possible. Unfortunately, my international cell is disfunctional here but I am in the process of getting a replacement which I'll have tomorrow. If you need us, please email me as I'll probably check this once or twice a day. In the case of an emergency, Mrs. Mullis does have a contact number for Nelida Gomez, our primary STRI contact.

Just a quick update: Kids are reviewing geology of the canal right now as a larger introduction to the overall course material to be studied this program.

China Update - Back in Lhasa

After a very interesting couple of days in Shigatse, we are now back in Lhasa. Today we visit the magnificent Potala Palace and Sera Monastery. We had a fun birthday party for Jazz, LeAynne, and Danit with a huge Tibetan cake. We definitely think you'll enjoy the video. One day of travel to Beijing then home. Its been a great trip, great group of kids and I've enjoyed traveling with them. I'm sure you'll hear more when they get home.