Sea turtles eat seagrass, and to ensure their habitats are healthy, we counted seagrass today. Really, we counted individual blades of grass in the sand and water! We began during low tide in the morning, so it started off easy. However, there were some areas where it was necessary to actually go under the water and try to count grass with sand swirling by. We had 11 people in our group, and this one task made me wonder how the biologists and research assistants ever get anything done alone!

After our 45 minute hike back through the mangroves and gravel roads, and even across a river, we had some leisure time. Most of us went for a guided kayak tour of the Gulfo Dulce. The guide showed us a mother sloth with her baby in a tree, and we all managed to stay in our kayaks! Beyond trying to stay upright, it was the most peaceful experience. I wish I could stay in Playa Blanca forever.

What an amazing day, from start to finish. After our host family prepared us the traditional pinto (beans and rice) and scrambled eggs for breakfast, Dr. Melinda Dick gave a lecture about sea turtle physiology.  Surprisingly, although I’d never thought I understood physiology before, my “old” education was renewed by her lecture. It is amazing how much sea turtles have in common with the dogs and cats I typically see. It is even more amazing how differently they function. Their cardiovascular systems just “know” how to prepare and react for diving and stress. Their urinary systems are also quite cool and require a lot more research on my part!

After the lecture, we spent the day in “town,” shopping for souvenirs and soaking up some WIFI and sun. It was amazing to see the cultural differences. For example, the grocery store was only about 1/4 of the size of the one down my street.

This evening, a local man came to our cabins to show our group how to make dreamcatchers. He brought all of the materials, such as shells and cool seeds he picked up on the shoreline. For sure, my dreamcatcher is my best souvenir other than my memories.