6/10/2013

Today was the first day of collection in the field. James and I finished inputting our data dictionary into GPS Pathfinder Office and then loaded it onto the Trimble Unit we used.

Trimble Unit

We wanted to see what streams and stream beds would even be possible to walk and take points from. Most of the streams have very dense vegetation which blocks the GPS receiver from receiving as many satellites. A lot of the vegetation is also nearly impassable (that is, without a machete). We found a trail on the south side of the valley which passed through many of the stream areas. I was surprised that a few were still flowing .

Trail

We took points where the streams crossed the trail. Hopefully we can put some points farther up the slope and where they enter the main perennial streams.

Apparently there was a commercial being filmed in the valley today too. There was a helicopter circling close overhead and a car zipping around.

Pretty view

Cool plant life

We made a side trip to Easter Island

Tomorrow: more data collection!