Soon I will be off to South America for another work adventure. This time I am heading to a group of islands 380 miles offshore of Chile in the South Pacific. The Juan Fernandez archipelago is a very interesting and unique place, with many rare and endemic species (found only on these islands) including the Juan Fernandez Fire Crown, which is the only endemic hummingbird species in the world. Additionally, the novel Robinson Crusoe is thought to be partially based on the account of Alexander Selkirk who was marooned for four years in the Juan Fernandez islands. So in addition to the awesome wildlife and amazing views, there is some interesting history to explore as well. I am leaving the quickly approaching t-shirt and shorts weather of summer in the Pacific Northwest for the dead of winter down south...bummer. But Kari reminds me that I can't really complain since I traded the wet and cold of February and March in Portland, for the tropic like climate of the Caribbean. I suppose that is fair enough.
Given that I have never been to Chile, I am excited to see a new region and island ecosystem, as well as learn more about the Chilean culture. I will spend two months...yep you read right two months, out on island doing research to inform our project planning process for future restoration activities in the Juan Fernandez.
Upon return I will certainly share my experiences and pictures with you all. In the mean time, call/email/come visit my loving and extremely understanding better half.