The first days in the field went well. We were able to set most of the pitfall traps and did some late night hand collecting of beetles. Even with temperatures falling into the 30's there were a surprising number of bugs out. The numbers were not staggering, we collected about 40 beetles from one site but that total also represents about 30 different species, this early in the season that's a nice ratio to see and one we won't see again until probably September. We are expecting to find around 200 different species of carabid beetles alone within the riparian and wetland areas. The numbers of specimens isn't as important as documenting the species diversity. But the density will certainly become evident as the season continues. Set up camp after 11pm. Around 12:30, just as I had finally settled my brain and excitement of the day and actually was able to fall asleep, it seemed like only minutes till when I was awakened by very bright morning sun light. At least that's what I thought it was, 'it can't be morning already! I just fell asleep!' Then I realized there were people approaching my tent, I unzipped my tent flap and was greeted by the blindingly bright spot lights, head lights and flash lights of the local police. No one else needed to be disturbed from their warm tents and cozy slumber. I handled the situation calmly. I informed the officers that I had contacted the local ranger, that we were granted special permission to camp there, the ranger was supposed to notify the local authorities of our presence in an illegal camping area. I presented them with the project permits and explained that we will be here every two weeks until October. No worries. I just have to contact the local authorities myself as no one was informed of our presence. I will have to have words with the ranger about this. I later found out that I was pretty lucky. It turns out that generally in a situation like this, the misinformed and often disgruntled local authorities make you pick up and move camp to somewhere legal. One of my coworkers theorized that simply because I am female and the only one to interact with the officers that saved us from having to move. Okay, any further trouble, I accept it and am ready to step in a bat my eyes and wave permits about to save the day. For the eight hours of driving time to and fro, from site to site to home, we listened to a book on tape. In the spirit of exploration and adventure, a coworker brought along Lewis & Clark - The Journey of the Corps of Discovery by Ken Burns. It was a fascinating listen. Filled with excerpts of letters and journal entries of historical figures and interspersed with narration filling in the gaps of history. This is a book I would like to purchase so I can read some of the journal entries more carefully. Now it's time to relax. Mark and I had a delightful dinner at The Mighty Oak Barrel in Oakmont. The house salad was a bed of mixed field greens topped with a pear and shallot vinaigrette, sprinkled with walnuts and a soft goat cheese. Appetizer involved seared tuna with a wasabi/cucumber sauce piled into a tower with crispy wafers and diced cucumbers, red onions and pickled ginger. I had the Opah special, a mild Hawaiian fish served with sweet chili sauce and spicy Thai dipping sauce over a bed of steamed vegetables. Mark had the Duck special, it involved a sweet plum sauce and a side dish using barley. Dessert, we shared a slice of pistachio cheesecake which was phenomenal! Tried a new wine, a Syrah, a smooth red with a creamy mouth feel, not sweet, but not at all dry. I think I have a new favorite type of wine. I'm pleasantly tired and full, it's time to curl up with my honey :)