The field season is fast approaching and in preparation, I was estimating my expenses. I am planning to make several short trips to Panama: set up experiments, return and check on experiments, take data, etc. Since I still have a lease and other things to attend to this summer in the US, I can't stay there all summer. But it wouldn't make sense financially, anyway. I calculated how much research will cost me for six weeks this summer and it came to SEVEN THOUSAND DOLLARS! Remember, I am not doing complicated molecular work (yet at least) and need no fancy equipment, machines, or employees. The only technology I use is a handheld GPS, which I already have. The main expenses are airfare, rental car, and lodging at field stations and other relatively cheap places to stay. By far the rental car is the highest expense, since I need an SUV to get down the dirt roads that take me to some of my field sites. Then of course there is the boat rental and gas, and other fees charged by research stations...it adds up quickly. Hopefully I will find a deal on a rental car (crossing my fingers, priceline!) that's better than the quote I got from the travel agency. Yuck!
