2022 Evergreen Costa Rica Sea Turtle Expedition

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Rafting, Reflections and Return

Written by Joey
We woke up bright and early in our Bungalows in Playa los Cocles near Puerto Viejo and headed Westward toward San Jose. But first we made a quick pitstop for some class 2/3 rafting on the Reventazon River! Given the recent heavy rains the river was more than ready for our active bunch as we battled rapids, hidden rocks, the occasional anaconda (which turned out to be a log; cheeky joke made by our rafting guide) and leaping from our boats in the deep, quiet sections of the river. We finished with a hearty lunch and continued our journey back to Alajuela.

Once back at Hotel La Rosa de America, we spent time in the evening reflecting on our journey and I was supremely impressed by the participants’ willingness and capacity for introspection! One of our conversation prompts included describing a challenge faced and how you managed to overcome it. The most commonly shared challenge was social anxiety, which was running high at the beginning of the trip. Though an absolutely normal emotion to feel at this age and in this foreign context, the students mentioned how this trip, which involved several days of no cell-service while at WIDECAST (in addition to countless bugs, warm weather, and varied sleeping hours), precipitated a willingness to reach out and connect with each other; a manifestation in my mind of self-confidence and self-agency. What a privilege for me to have shared in this journey with them and in this particular conversation! And what a bright, curious, and compassionate group of students that reflect presumably equal traits from their families and upbringings!
Tears were fought back this morning (maybe just me) as the group loaded their things onto the bus, gave their goodbyes to Pino, our chofer, and to myself. All are accounted for, all are headed your way, and all will be missed!

Off to the Caribbean Coast

Written by Joey

Our last night in the WIDECAST research station was a true crescendo of activity! We had two turtle hatches from the hatchery, two new turtle nests, rugby on the beach in an absolute downpour and, hardest of all, saying our goodbyes to the staff and fellow volunteers. Though these were, on the surface, only fleeting connections, all members at WIDECAST are connected by a deep purpose: conserving and protecting our vulnerable future and its wouldbe inhabitants, including Sea TurtleOff to the Caribbean Coast

Our last night in the WIDECAST research station was a true crescendo of activity! We had two turtle hatches from the hatchery, two new turtle nests, rugby on the beach in an absolute downpour and, hardest of all, saying our goodbyes to the staff and fellow volunteers. Though these were, on the surface, only fleeting connections, all members at WIDECAST are connected by a deep purpose: conserving and protecting our vulnerable future and its wouldbe inhabitants, including Sea Turtles. Thus, we became fast friends with our cohabitants and hope to cross paths with many and all of them again soon!

We made our way eastward to the caribbean coast of Costa Rica, landing in the town of Puerto Viejo. Apart from sampling the local souvenir shops and enjoying the “island” vibe of this small coastal community, we had some fantastic caribbean cuisine of slow cooked coconut chicken, oxtail, camarones, and traditional rice and beans. We even celebrated a birthday with a chocolate and dulce de leche cake. Feliz Cumpleanos Evelyn! Rafting tomorrow and home soon,..maybe a day too soon! Thus, we became fast friends with our cohabitants and hope to cross paths with many and all of them again soon!

We made our way eastward to the caribbean coast of Costa Rica, landing in the town of Puerto Viejo. Apart from sampling the local souvenir shops and enjoying the “island” vibe of this small coastal community, we had some fantastic caribbean cuisine of slow cooked coconut chicken, oxtail, camarones, and traditional rice and beans. We even celebrated a birthday with a chocolate and dulce de leche cake. Feliz Cumpleanos Evelyn! Rafting tomorrow and home soon… maybe a day too soon!

6/10

We swam a little bit in the water today to cool off. It’s hot during the days, but then the rain comes and brings much needed coolness. We then visited a couple who makes artisan products and foods from pipas ( young, green coconuts), they make all sorts of oils for both food and body care, and coconut milk for food. We also played some trivia!

Tonight we will be watching the hatchery all night, no patrols. So that we are able to get up super early to catch the boat out. It’s been raining a lot, which has given us some much needed down time to reflect, read and rest. The mosquitos are terrible, but not enough to make us have a bad time. This place has been such an amazing experience. Excited for whats next!

6/9

Today we were all pretty tired from turtle patrol last night. After some breakfast and recharging, we did a big, beach garbage clean up. We collected over 60 Ibs of trash. We found so many different kinds of trash. From sandals, to toothbrushes, to to-go containers, all sorts of bottles and nets.

A few local craftsmen and craftswomen came by to share their art. We are also looking forward to a local couple coming tomorrow to talk about their company “pipa” which means young coconut in Costa Rica.

6/8

First day we took a boat through a canal to get to WIDECAST station. We saw some howler monkeys and also lots of birds, it was beautiful. When we arrived at WIDECAST,  we already got to experience some turtles! Baby leather back turtles were hatching, and we got to see them be released and even got to help! It was amazing! It’s a bittersweet experience. Sweet watching new turtles hatch and start their lives, but bitter to watch how hard it is for them to just get past the first waves.

The same night, both patrol groups found a saddleback turtle and a leatherback turtle, and collected their eggs and brought them back to the hatchery.

Zipping through the jungle canopy at the feet of Volcano Arenal

Written by Joey Hebl

Today we traveled along the beautiful, jungle-lined, rain-soaked highway to the town of La Fortuna, located at the base of Costa Rica’s spectacular Arenal Volcano. We were fortunate to catch a full view of the active volcano, with clear skies no less. We spent the afternoon ripping through the canopy along ziplines and swinging into the seemingly infinite jungle on the Tarzan swing. We wrapped it up with dinner at La Selva Rústica where we saw developing frog eggs hidden beneath tree leaves (with moving larva within) in the forest adjacent to the restaurant; Rainforest Cafe could only dream of such ambiance. And don’t be alarmed, no frog larva were harmed in the process (nor eaten)! More adventures to follow!

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