My day started out surfing at 5 a.m., as I snuck in a couple waves with friends before arriving at the airport at 8 :-) Don't worry! I was a responsible surfer and made it to the airport on time, which is why I currently find myself here, and not crying on a curb with my research group basking in crystal waters. Since Palmyra is a marine reserve focusing on research, further coupled with extreme isolation and an absurd concentration of sharks, surfing is understandably banned for my own safety (and productivity!).
But, when you're on a pristine atoll, who can complain about not surfing, or anything for that matter?! We made the 1,000 mile journey on a small charter plane, that lo and behold, didn't charge you for drinks! I was so happy I drank Liliko'i juice until I was sick!
The first view of the atoll made everyone scramble and gasp, most likely to the exasperation of the pilots who were fed up with college students drinking all their Liliko'i juice and gawking out the windows ;-)
Nevertheless, we landed safely, despite the small plane and bucking horse runway.
After a severe economic crisis on the atoll as a result of our quadrupling its population, we quickly got to work, learning about safety, the treasured wildlife, and how to operate boats and other equipment. But don't worry, we made sure to soak in the powdery white beach and crystal glass of unpolluted waters, although fist sized hermit crabs and land crabs the size of our heads threatened us with their menacing pinchers (or maybe they were simply throwing their claws in the air and crying for help in inaudible melodies).
Much more to come soon, but I've gotta stop sneaking out of my chores and help my colleagues get prepared for our 8 a.m.-6 p.m. day of field work tomorrow. Until then, take care, and don't worry, we're not going anywhere soon.
