3-19-09

Dillon, Logan, my dad and I woke up early to go on another hike.  A different ranger took us to a trail farther away.  This time I really felt like I was in the jungle!  The were a  variety of tall trees with dark, rich green leaves.  Brown leaves of all sizes made a blanket over the jungle floor.  The air was refreshing and cool from the canopy towering over our heads.  We heard all kinds of birds (the ranger told us Panama has more species of birds than the number of species of birds in Europe and the U.S. put together).  Besides the birds, the only sound we heard was the crunching of the leaves under our feet.  The unstated agreement to experience the jungle in silence was expected and enjoyed.  

We arrived back at the boat just in time for breakfast.  As soon as we swallowed our last bites, we all rushed downstairs to get our wet suits on to go scuba diving.  Oh my gosh.  Scuba diving is incredible.  There is an entire world under there that we never see!  We saw orange-colored coral, pink coral that formed the shape of giant mushrooms and tons of fish of all sizes- from the size of my pinkie nail to about 3 1/2 feet long.  The closer you get, the more intricate everything is.  

Bayleigh and I saw a pink, spotted octopus glide across the ocean floor looking up at us.  We swam over around the corner of some high rocks and saw a 6 foot reef shark.  We stopped, sank slower and stayed still.  Suddenly something came up behind me and grabbed my foot!  It was Joe.  Ha- perfect timing.  I pointed out the shark, and Joe's eyes widened in his mask and he jolted back.  It turned out fine though.  Soon the shark swam away, and we continued on with the dive.  

Joe and Logan went ahead and ended up swimming with and chasing sea turtles!  Bayleigh and I saw 3 more sharks!  It was great.