GLORIAAAAA...

Dear All..
Just a quick (not really, lol jk) update of our whereabouts and activities of late. Left Puerto Jim early on someday of the week. Everything seems to merge into one when travelling, sad that that is not the case at school. From Puerto Jim it was a quick bus journey and then a rather exciting taxi journey in the back of a cattle truck wedged in between all our rucksacks, thank god not cattle. The taxi took us to Bahia Drake, where the second of our projects was held. We arrived at our eco lodge after walking up the run-way. When I say we were staying near an airport, the truth was we were ON THE RUNWAY, it also doubled as the pathway from village to beach. WOOP.

The first day involved us meeting with the hippy Spanish volunteer scientist geeks who gave us the low-down on what we would be doing over the next couple of days. We were involved in a number of hard tasks including preparing a space for a new hatchery for the baby turtles and improving and updating a bridge to the beach built by Harrow in 2007, finishing Harrow's dirty work.

Alongside the manual labour and skill needed during the day, in the evenings the team took part in night patrols, trooping along the beach in 4 hour slots, from 8 to 12 or the really lucky ones the lovely 12 till 4 slot. No matter what, the patrols were a once in a life time experience walking along the beach in the moonlight with the waves lapping at ones feet. HOWEVER TEAM 1 WERE UBER LUCKY AND BLESSED as they came across Gloria, of the Olive Ridley variety within the first hour of their patrol. Turtle numbers are low at the moment and for the patrol leader, David, this was his first turtle of the season, which runs from July to December. In true Prior's Field fashion, the turtle was named Gloria. For no reason at all other than we all liked it when we were screaming like girls (but silently so as not to disturb her laying 131, yes 131, little mini Gloriaettes; this was in fact a record egg fest). Yes we were all very very VERY excited to have this amazing magical experience and we tried not to be too smuggy McSmug when we got back.

The night followed with more excitment when the team was ATTACKED by not a CROC or a snake or a spider BUT A PUPPY with the energy levels of an energetic THING. The whole team ended up standing on the table wrapped in sleeping bags leaving GORDON alone to fend of the beast, battle wounds were acquired and EDU, the owner of the lodge had to come to the rescue.

In regards to our hard manual labour the team split into two groups working alternative shifts on the bridge and the hatchery. All at the turtle foundation were TRULY AND HONESTLY AMAZINGLY impressed with the sheer GIRL POWER Priors Field bring with them wherever they go.

Everyone was sad to leave the OSA area, considered to be one of the most underdeveloped and beautiful areas of Costa Rica, with many saying it is up to 20 years behind in the development stakes compared to the rest of Costa Rica. WE LOVE THE PURA VIDA way of life, having freshly caught fish and plantaine chips.

Currently in SAN JOSE, staying in a lovely CHILLED OUT HOSTEL with free tea and coffee, so everyone feels at home :). Tomorrow we are off for the last stage of our adventure with a ENERGY PACKED THREE DAYS including canopy tour, white water rafting, a couple of treks here and there and HOT SPRINGS in front of an active volcano, Its a really hard life on expedition.

Hugs and kisses to family and friends and looking forward to seeing you at the airport. NOT; we are all moving to COSTA RICA and opening up a TURTLE SANCTUARY- your all invited to come out and help save this species.

GOOD NIGHT, been on an 8 hour bus journey so Zzzzzz... are much needed.

ADIOS.

SCARF. GORDO. GGB. KEN KEN. WARDY.