Today, we made our way from the Tropical Education Center, where we stayed the night, to Las Cuevas Research Station. However, we did not take a direct shot between the two. Instead, we made a bit of a detour, to the uncovered Mayan ruins of Caracol. Our tour guide Leo, was a vast ranivore of knowledge about the ruins and the ancient Mayan culture. The structure these ancient civilizations created are truly domineering and impressive. Far beyond the size I imagined. At this particular sight, the key structure is still the tallest man-made building in all of Belize, despite being built thousands of years ago. We were able to explore for a couple hours, take some fun photos, and eat a delicious lunch while there.
We then made the hour drive to Las Cuevas. Reaching the station marked the start of a new and exciting adventure. Birds, insects, arthropods, and plants galore. The diversity of the rainforest is immense and strikingly different from my desert home. I, however, did not encounter an amphibian today. Here is where I can use my line that I probably heard them calling amongst the many sounds of the forest. Frogs/toads have very distinctive calls, and although I can’t identify them by ear yet, because it’s the wet season there is a good chance they were out there calling (especially since they are most active at night).
Today was an incredible experience, and fascinating to see the dynamic between the ancient ruins and the domineering natural forces of the forest. I am excited to be here, and start the second half of the course!

~Rusty