James Rodriguez

Plan called for a stage movement.

Establish the inland camp first, then retrieve additional gear as needed.

I assigned Thomas to lead with GB's navigation, Scott to bring up the rear.

Each team member carried their personal gear plus one case of research equipment.

The load distribution put 47 pounds on each person, manageable for the half-mile trek through relatively flat terrain.

Before departing, I surveyed our beach camp one final time.

The pristine sand, the clear water, the silence.

All beautiful.

All wrong.

Keep visual contact at all times.

I instructed the team radio check every five minutes.

Report anything unusual, immediately.

We moved in single file toward the tree line.

The jungle opened before us.

Massive trunks creating natural columns.

Canopy filtering sunlight into dappled patterns on the undergrowth.

Vines twisted around branches.

Broad-leafed plants crowded the forest floor.

I watched each team member's body language as we entered the trees.

Thomas moved with heightened alertness.