I'm back

So I didn't realize how long it really had been since I updated this. I obviously failed. I just got back today after having a pretty intense week of work. National Geographic helped fund the project and decided to send a photographer out to document things at the very end of our trip, which meant a lot of things had to be put off until then. Fortunately I was able to finish data collection for the summer.

Here's a photo of the Susa River (mind you it's dry season, so it doesn't seem as amazing). We walked this trail way too many times.

Check out this awesome earthworm we found along the trail.

So last Thursday we climbed up to Dian Fossey’s gorilla graveyard, which took about 2 hours. It was a great hike and we saw a lot of buffalo tracks…but no buffalo. During our climb a lone silverback ran across the trail, but it was so far ahead that I didn't see much.

I forgot I wanted to mention that about a week ago I was able to survey an area where they house confiscated orphan gorillas. They're kept in this quarantine facility before they can hopefully be rehabilitated back into wild groups. I mostly saw the eastern lowland gorillas and one mountain gorilla. These photos are of the oldest lowland gorilla in the orphan facility…she’s soon going to be released into the wild. As I left I noticed one of the gorillas playing with a huge shovel…and it was nicer than the ones we have here.

Oh and this is where I've been working most of the time...out of a large brick garage.

So we've been passing this sign everyday and I constantly get a kick out of it. I mean a gorilla drinking tea...priceless. Thought someone out there might enjoy it as much as I do! So we've had a busy week but unfortunately I can't really mention much of it. I will be hiking a mountain tomorrow and am crossing my fingers that we accidentally stumble upon live gorillas or vice versa. It happens....so you never know. I've met an eclectic bunch of people here who inform me of all kinds of interesting things.

Fact: Canadian meth addicts are prone to "hammer fighting."

I don't know about you...but there is just something hilarious about that when you say it out loud. Or I'm just so exhausted that everything sounds funny.

My new buddy...

We went on a walk in this forest today where there were giant steps and walkways made of pumice stone. It was very beautiful to say the least!

We also found this chameleon! Yes I know...I'm very pale. The little guy didn't know what color to change to since my level of paleness doesn't really exist in nature. 

And here you will find Steve doing what he does best...birding.

This is a shot of the Mount Sabyinyo from our backyard

So I finally made it to Ruhengeri where I’ve been spending the week cataloging and screening material while others went to buy equipment. We are not allowed to begin the recovery until next Monday, but are luckily allowed to probe areas.

The other day I went on a long walk with Steve & a grad student here who is studying reptiles and amphibians to find specimens. So we went along back roads where we accumulated a mass of well over 30 children and curious old adults who helped search for lizards and snakes with the prospect of getting the equivalent of about 20 cents for each one found. It was a very interesting experience…people just want to touch you or ask for money or practice the little French or English they know. I’m having a great time right now, but still am looking forward to coming home…even if it’s Indiana.

A few more photos...

I swear to god...this red bush is a giant poinsettia. Uh huh, the kind you buy for relatives around Christmas. They're very popular here.

Greetings from Kigali

I’ve finally gotten some time on the internet so I thought I’d write a little. We arrived safely and have been staying in the capital Kigali the last few days. It’s a beautiful city with lots of little valleys everywhere and rich orange-red soil. I’ll take a few more photos of the hillsides when I have a chance.

We are staying at the Chez Lando Hotel...which has some pretty nice landscaping.

As of now we’ve been meeting with people and talking about the project. Information and photos of the excavation are going to be slightly restricted, but I’ll still try to keep things updated.

Here we go...

As almost everyone knows by now, I am leaving soon to help with a mountain gorilla skeletal recovery project in Rwanda. So I'm going to attempt to chronicle this summer as thoroughly as possible.

Now please keep in mind I don't normally blog very much, but I will be adding photos whenever I have the opportunity. I'm unsure as to how often I will have internet access, so posting on this site will help me cut down on mass emails all while visually enticing you. Though I'm sure I will be busy I welcome any comments or emails from everyone!