Home from the Water Project

So I’m finally back at home in Catacamas as this year’s King’s University Water Project draws to a close.  Everything went really well with the team here in Olancho and I heard Geoff Brouwer’s team up north in Colón had a pretty great time too.  Both teams had to contend with scorching temperatures, hiking through some unforgiving terrain and basic living conditions but I think the Olancho team had it a little easier than their counterparts in each respect.  However, I did hear rumours that the other team had a nice cool waterfall near their worksite which may account for why they survived the 40 to 43 degree weather.  Overall, there were no major catastrophes, injuries or illnesses - thank goodness.  Well… except that team leader Ashlee Brandsma and I both got very sick on our way back from the community.  Thankfully we survived the three-day stomach ache with the help of some American nurses we ran into at our hotel as well as plenty of rest, water and some handy antibiotics. 



I said goodbye to the Olancho team on Monday morning as they headed to the bus station.  They took a “luxurious” 8hr bus ride up to La Ceiba on the northern coast.  Most of the students this year elected to stay longer and explore a bit more of the country.  A few even have plans to visit Nicaragua and El Salvador before they head home.  I know a few of them were interested in taking in the Mayan ruins of Copan and some of the nature preserves on the coast.  Not surprisingly, the main attraction for the extended trip is visiting the lush Bay Islands.  The team was having trouble deciding between Roatan and Utila but I’m sure they’re having a great time wherever they are.

As the King’s team is lounging around on a Honduran beach taking a well-deserved break, I am playing catch-up with all reports, meetings and sorting through my photos and field notes from the trip.  It was awesome spending time with my fellow Canadians and King’s students but now I’ve got to hang up my pickaxe and shovel in favour of spreadsheets, interest calculations and a mountain of paperwork.  Thanks to everyone who continues to support my work here in Honduras and also the annual King’s Water Project.