This report is based on items found in the tropical jungles from today’s adventure, and more importantly how they could be used in a more sophisticated way. We start our day aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion, by anchoring in Gatun Lake, near Barro Colorado Island. Barro Colorado Island, is a great location to observe and study tropical plant and animal life. The laboratory facility found on Barro Colorado, is managed by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. We had a chance to venture by foot, and take a walk on the property, and learn about the tropical life on the island. Individuals not interested in hiking, had a chance to enjoy an expedition landing craft ride, and cruise the shoreline that surrounds the island.
As one walks into a forest, to observe nature, and examines what it has to offer, often thinking how such items can be used, and creating astounding results that can be used in more than one way. We learn a lot from animals and plants and all things nature provides us, if we pay attention and study. Seeing how things relate, and connect creating a puzzle, that fit together perfectly. Without one, we would not have the other, and therefore would not have the whole picture. Without the green-and black poison frog, and the spikes from a palm tree, we would be without the poison dart that natives use to hunt or protect themselves. Likewise, with without the banana leaf that nature provides, there wouldn’t be banana leaf wrapped tamales, handmade by local Panamanian women. Last but not least, without the Apeiba, individuals wouldn’t be able to comb their beautiful hair.
It was a wonderful day aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion, a hike on Barro Colorado Island, and an afternoon peacefully anchored in Gatun Lake, and witnessing a lot of wildlife here in Panama.
