Chasing Bats at Congaree – Episode 4
Come along for a tour of the fieldhouse. The dorm is my home away from home for the five months that I’m chasing bats through the swamps of Congaree. Living with six people in a communal setting, there has been much speculation on this arrangement. Let the rumors rest after watching this video!
I’m planning on making a “meet the roomies” episode but I think it’s best to develop my relationships with the new arrivals before putting them in front of the camera. I promise this will not turn into a reality show!
I have to say, I was uncertain how this communal living thing would work out. Throughout my entire life, until now, I evaded this type of lifestyle. I never spent nights in the bunk house of a summer camp. I never resided in a dorm during my college years. Outside of my childhood home, I only lived with my wife or alone. I can’t say that living in a communal fashion has ever appealed to me.
While pursuing my education, I knew that this living arrangement was inevitable. I became aware that researchers and technicians may not live in ideal settings while afield. Sometimes we live out of hotels, in fieldhouses or bunks, and sometimes we camp. Some situations are better than others.
While I was forewarned of the living arrangements in Conagaree, I found my home away from home to be quite bearable. I adapted to my environment and made friends. My nights are full of restful sleep. I became more curious rather than disgusted of the cockroaches and other insect. Perhaps it was the scientist in me that was pondering a mark-recapture study to estimate the population by painting a little dab of nail polish on their backs. Catching the little grey lizards on the exterior siding was a great way to unwind after a long day in the field. Heck, the woods are right outside the door!