Day 18 – How Malu Are You?

Malu is still here, and so are we. Today the Queen Badass, otherwise known as Mufasa, headed our first real ecology lesson, creating individual plots of 1.5 x 1.5 meters in order to observe the jungle’s biodiversity. In pairs, we set out towards the forest and began classifying species, diversity, whether the species were dispersed or clumped together, and if there were any dominant plant types within our plots. Next, we worked on a transect with our partner (G-rated, I promise), taking 20 steps perpendicular to the trail behind, measuring the number of trees in our path and their diameters. This information hints at the relative ages of the trees, which informs us of the general age of the forest around us. 

Then, the party started. Our underground adventure included exploring two caves, one dry and one wet; but, first, let us talk about how these caves formed. As with most caves, this one was made of limestone, a sedimentary rock that is particularly susceptible to water erosion, much like the wicked witch of the west (I’M MELTING!). These caves formed when water started to dissolve the limestone, and as the water ran through the earth, the earth slowly moved upward, creating the cavernous pathways we trekked through.

Evidenced by a phenomenon known as an elephant’s foot, when a forming stalactite hits the water below and spreads out, forming a wide 3D puddle, we were able to identify how high the water level used to be. Our brains full of new knowledge, our bladders full of pee, and our stomachs full of nothing, we headed out of the cave towards the river to have lunch.

To end the day, we took a bath and a trip on our favorite rocket ship, flying through the tunnel of our second cave, assisted by chest deep water and a rope. Known as the wedding cave due to the numerous weddings held there, we all channeled our inner Tarzans (and Janes) to wade through the ice-cold river. As Jen froze to death, we each took a final plunge headfirst into the water, guided by the graceful hand of Ditinho and Malu, and emerged on the other side, baptized. Despite some head conks (we had helmets!) and busted lips, we made it safely and soundly to the other side.

Finally the day ended with several group photos, all in which the girls (obviously) one-upped the guys with their muscles. Here’s to our 5am wake-up tomorrow. Help.

And after a long day, it was clear we were all pretty Malu.

Kronk (Squesk squweakity squeak sqeak) and The one with the busted lip

Emmanuel and Virginia