Can't believe we've already been here for three weeks!
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Lots and lots of turtles. These three were feisty!
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| Post anti-poaching survey! We snorkeled over the reef for a couple hours to look for pieces of turtle shell. Sadly we found some, which indicates recent poaching. Also saw a huge puffer fish, zebra fish, sea snakes, urchins, starfish, stone fish... |
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| We went fishing with three local fisherman on Mida Creek. We walked out at low tide and set up a large circular fence made from palm fibers and raffia grass. In this photo I was learning to tie the knots to set up the enclosure. When the tide rises and then goes back out, the fish get caught in small pools within the fenced area. This traditional method of fishing, called uzio, is eco-friendly because there is no bycatch. Aside from slipping and landing on a jellyfish (ow ow!), this was an incredible experience. After setting up the fence we took a dugout canoe back up the creek. |
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| The beautiful greenery and recycled decor at LOC still make me smile. |
We were incredibly lucky to get to watch this mama turtle lay her eggs on the beach! After laying, she dug a decoy "nest" to throw off predators, which you can see her doing here. This is extremely tiring for turtles, and a very vulnerable time for them. After she finished digging, she waddled back down the beach and swam away. A very magical moment. And SUCH a big turtle.
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We painted a couple of classrooms in a nearby school. Don't look too closely at my painting abilities! Had fun anyway interacting with all the kids who were helping us paint since school is on break for a couple weeks.
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| Friends in Watamu! Planned a surprise 21st for Aili and had our friends come visit and stay with us for the weekend. So much fun! |
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Not the sunniest of beach days but still a fun one!
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| Drinks over the water at sunset |
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| Splish splash! |
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Hammock zen
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Breakfast with the gang
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