We are trying to answer the question: how do plants, animals, and people survive in the flooded forest? We have learned a lot so far, but I know that it would be very hard for Ruben, Anna, Patrick, and me to survive here without Warren.

This afternoon Warren and I beached our canoe for a bathroom break on the first patch of dry ground we had seen all day. I stood up to stretch my stiff legs and went to grab hold of a branch as I stepped out of the canoe. Warren yelled, and my body froze as my brain tried to translate the frantic Spanish spewing out of Warren's mouth. After a minute I realized that I was about to place my hand on a spiny, three inch long caterpillar, which Warren warned me was extremely poisonous. I sat back down, scrambled to grab my camera, and began photographing this beautiful, yet highly toxic insect.

It doesn't matter what plant or animal I ask about-Warren knows what it is, what it can be used for, and a ton of other interesting facts. This vast knowledge helps Warren not only survive, but actually thrive in the flooded forest.

This afternoon a storm rolled in as we were scrambling to set up camp. The ropes for the tarp we were trying to hang over our gear were buried in a pack. Warren walked over to a nearby tree, and grabbed several vines that we could use in place of ropes. He later explained this was the same species of vine that people use to lash wood together to build their houses.

Every day I am learning something new and finding ways to make life in the flooded forest easier. Everything we need to survive is right here, but we still have a lot to learn.

Keep Exploring!

Dave

Wednesday's Daily Dilemma was about how we should handle illegal loggers when we encounter them on our journey. I was overwhelmed by the number of responses we received from you! This is clearly an issue that many of you care deeply about. The responses were split between those who think we should talk to the illegal loggers and those who think we should report them to the park rangers. I also appreciate that you considered our safety when you were deciding how we should handle this issue. One class even had a suggestion for what you can do in the United States. The suggestion was to boycott the purchase of mahogany and other wood harvested from the rainforest. By eliminating the demand for such things, the value of these precious trees would decrease and put the illegal loggers out of a job.

Thank you for all the advice you have given us on this topic. We will definitely report any illegal logging activity that we see to park rangers. We will keep safety in mind and only talk to the illegal loggers if a safe opportunity arises to do so. I hope that you will also do your part to prevent the destruction of these beautiful trees and natural habitats by paying attention to where products you buy come from. Thank you again! Keep up the great work.