Day 8
Today we had a pretty relaxing day. We worked on our final presentations and after dinner, we went on a night walk to look at so me of the insects that are nocturnal. We saw a bunch of spiders and some very large insects. This was not my favorite activity, but it was still fun to walk around the rainforest at night.
Day 9
Today we went on a river hike after breakfast! It was beautiful and one of the highlights of the trip so far, even with all of the mud. I have never hiked primarily in water before, so it was a new experience for me. Luckily, I wore my bathing suite, socks, and trusty boots, so I didn’t have to worry about injuring my feet on the uneven ground.
At the beginning, Anna and I got to go up a waterfall thanks to some help from Skip and John. It was really cool because it had a pretty deep pool of water at the top of it and a second waterfall! We continued onward, sometimes walking, sometimes swimming though the river.
At the last pool of water, it was deep enough to jump off the ledge. That was really fun! After the hike, we walk along the side the road back to the lodge for lunch.
Next, we got to take a bit to a small town! We looked for some souvenirs there and got food.
While walking around, we saw so many monkeys in the square. There were everywhere jumping though the trees and climbing up light polls. It was crazy!
We got back on the boats to an island where we all got to hold a boa constrictor. It was a little scary, but the owner told us how to hold it properly and the pictures were worth it! The boat ride back was a lot of fun and I got to see parts of the Amazon I hadn’t yet because of the strong current.
After diner I got to know a little girl, named Zoe, who we have seen a few times around the lodge, but see was very shy. We was adorable and was happy to play with us after spending some time getting to know us!
Day 10
This morning for breakfast we had a fresh fruit bowl, French toast, and coffee of course! The syrup was thicker and sweeter than what I am used to, but delicious none the less.
After breakfast each of the groups presented their final project and we said goodbye to Iyrina and the Amazon. On our way to the Quito airport, we stopped at a Gas station that for some snacks! We also stopped at a nature preserve.
We walked a short trail to see the sendero polylepis trees more closely and fed some fish in the pond. It was a good way to stretch our legs and have some fun!
We got dinner at the airport, boarded the plane for a short flight to Manta and then took the bus to our hotel in Puerto Lopez.
More later!
Maddie