Root, puddle, root, puddle; oh avoid leaf cutter ants again, clamber over fallen tree, steady over the stream. What was that rustle? Monkeys? Is there a Jaguar watching me? Up the hill… phew it’s getting easier. Right, first location. Get the equipment out.
It’s canopy photos day. Expensive camera, fish eye lens, tripod (with 5000 adjustments), compass and notebook. Bags down – into the jungle. We need to find the position marker for the photo, right in the midst of the trees. There it is!
Ok… so how does the camera go on? Ah the ground is so wonky! Right, find north. You’re facing north… I mean I’m facing north, you’re north of me… that way! Alright duck, photo taken, record data.
Next site this way. You got the pencil? No, you’ve got the pencil? Damn. Go back. Ok, adjust the tripod… adjust some more. North? That way. Duck. Where? No duck out of shot. Snap. Two down. 40 to go.
Four different forest types to compare how the canopy changes in each one over time, photos taken once a month, exact same location, all facing exactly north – that’s science.
Check out those claw marks on that log! And these butterflies are beautiful, they’re all over me! That’s because you stink. Ah, it is quite hot out here.
We’re getting pretty good at this – routine, rhythm, working together. Ok next one this way, dodge that vine, duck around that, avoid giant spider’s web. Oh, it’s that way.
Seven hours since we set off, last photo done and another kilometre back to camp – phew! Collapse?!… After we enter the data. Shower first though yeah? Yeah.
Feeling great – full day getting to grips with the incredible forest and learning to work efficiently together. Can’t wait for tomorrow.