By Warren Stortroen
The weather looked fine when George and I joined Don Eaton, Earthwatch Institute research scientist, right after breakfast for a trip to a remote part of the Caetetus Reserve in the Atlantic rainforest near Galia, Brazil. We were planning to do a quick stream quality survey and fish census and return to the research station a little early for a special dinner because Earthwatch President Roger Bergen and his wife, Susan, were arriving for a visit! Co-Principal Investigator Alexine Keuroghlian and the other three Earthwatch volunteers worked close to the station in order to be there when they arrived.
The dirt road to the remote stream was steep and narrow and the car got hung up in some ruts at one spot but we were able to dig and push our way out and soon arrived at the trail leading to the research area. Everything went well as we blocked a section of the stream with nets and then captured, measured and weighed the fish and crustaceans in the blocked off area. We processed a good sampling of several different species of fish and with plenty of time to spare packed up to go back to the car.
But, this was the rainy season in the Atlantic rainforest! As we started back up the trail a heavy rainstorm hit! We made it back to the car and started out, but at a spot where we crossed a small stream and made a sharp turn to go uphill the old car became hopelessly mired! So, we had a three kilometer wet, muddy hike and, of course, arrived late for the special dinner! Roger and Susan were there and greeted us warmly and dinner was delayed until we got into dry clothes, so everything turned out fine! But, we felt that it was appropriate that Roger saw what dedicated Earthwatchers we were!
The 1999 Earthwatch expedition was BRAZIL RAINFOREST WILDLIFE about 400 kilometers west of Sao Paulo. The five volunteers split our time working with Don on the stream research, and with Alexine who was studying white-lipped and collared peccaries by trapping , scat collection and radio-tracking to determine the extent of their range and movements to find seasonal food. The exotic wildlife and the research studies were fascinating and enjoyable, but it rained every day so our hiking boots never dried out! Luckily, the two ladies who cooked our dinners and staffed the research station washed our muddy clothes and hung them out to dry during periods of sunshine while we were out doing research!
While we were there Don and Alexine were invited to a wedding and reception in Galia. When they explained they had a crew of Earthwatch volunteers their friends insisted that they bring us along! So, dressed up as best we could manage, we spent Friday evening at a gala reception with food, drinks and Brazilian dancing! It was great to be welcomed so warmly by the Brazilians!