February 9

Days 7: February 9

Monica and I have had a strenuous week with the start of our monkey-watching activities. The temperature during the day starts out at about 83 and reaches over 95 by mid-day.  It's definitely the opposite of a dry heat as well. Luckily, there is usually a nice cool breeze, and the work is fascinating. Also, the monkeys tend to take a two hour nap in the shade during the hottest part of the day so it isn't too bad.  There is a new drama unfolding every day, and it is acted out by tiny, cute monkeys that you just want to hug.

Today, we got quite the workout following the group of monkeys that we are trying to habituate through about half of the park (several miles), trying to keep them in sight while navigating through thorned vines and thick vegetation.  Since they do not like to use the trails, we are using our compasses a lot to try to figure out where we are at any given time. Also, in case we haven't mentioned, the Gede Ruins themselves, they are very beautiful. They are much more extensive than I had imagined, and we have actually gotten lost on the trails several times (i.e. there are several trails that are not found on any map).  It definitely gives us the feeling of being in an Indiana Jones movie!  ;-)

We are still trying to work out all of the normal little details of life, such as, how to withdraw money (no ATM's in Watamu), where to we get groceries/laundry detergent, food, containers, etc, and how to get around? We have some days off coming up, so we might sort out a lot of this then. Since in the beginning we can't take the same days off, we are going to alternate and Monica will take her first day off tomorrow.

Up until now, we have been lucky enough to catch rides with other researchers in their cars, but soon they will be leaving and we will need to resort to public transportation.  Each morning have been able to get a ride to the Gede Ruins where the monkeys are.  This should be fine. 

Tonight, after dinner, Monica went out and had some drinks with some of the other researchers.  She met several British Army blokes that are staying at a nearby resort.  The other monkey researchers are British as are many of the tourists.  Scott stayed at home tonight because he is helping Stanley, one of the people at the field station, to set up a database. 

Not much else happened today, but as a side note, feel free to leave us comments on this blog!

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Mwamba Field Study Centre & Bird Observatory

A Rocha Kenya

PO Box 383

Watamu  80202

Kenya

Tel:  +254-(0)42-32023

eml: mwamba@arocha.org

<www.arocha.org>