Thursday 6th November, from the base camp in Urisa.

Today, like the day before, it’s scorching hot. In the middle of the day, we are dripping with sweat, even in the shade, without doing anything. Nevertheless, since we are leaving in two days, everyone is busy getting ready.

The zodiac boats are leaving continuously; those who are going fishing in freshwater resurgences; those setting out to go and explore caves; those going to take samples near lake Sewiki; others leaving for observations and measurements in Arguni bay… There are also colleagues returning to sort out their samples and code their data.

The ornithologists and herpetologists have been in the forest since we arrived and are not expected to return before tomorrow, as we start dismantling the camp, ready to leave. They wish to make the most of this short stay in Urisa. In fact, they are not the only ones to think that this place would deserve a longer stay. But Kumawa mountain range is waiting for us…

Tributary of Sewiki river – Copyright : S. Quérouil / IRD

(translated by L2 ST students–Earth Sciences–group 2, UM2, France)