Field Immersion
by Amber Lidell
July 9, 2005

Our last meal in the city consisted of seafood, coca cola, and chocolate mousse; all items we would not see again for ten days. We got in to camp late, so our introduction was cut short. Sleep did not come very easily but that may have been because it was a colder night than usual. This was a shame because the next day was draining.

Holding the bait before setting the traps was quite odd the first time, especially when walking through a jungle filled with vines that are reaching out, begging to trip someone. The fast pace of the day exhausted me, but there were some amazing sights that made it worth the effort. Chameleons, geckos, snakes, butterflies, and dwarf lemurs stared back at us on our night hike. I hiked through an impossibly gorgeous forest and around a stunning lake. Then I looked up and saw more stars than I have seen in my entire life. It may still have been one of the most difficult days I have ever had, but I’m in Madagascar and I’m doing my part, which is more than worth the effort.