This afternoon the group split up to tackle photogrammetry of El Lanchon in Puerto Viejo and small boat recording in Cahuita. I got to stay in Cahuita and record one of the small boats owned by Don Manuel, one of our captains that is taking us out to the sites in the mornings. I have never had the opportunity to record small watercraft, so it was a really interesting experience.
We were able to measure a vessel that is still in use today. The vessel was named Vikingo 2, and seemed to be a small tourist vessel or fishing boat. My group and I were not able to talk to the captain, so we do not know exactly what the boat is used for. Each member of the team had to provide a general description of the vessel. Then, we divided the vessel into three sections, so that each student had a section to work on. I was assigned to the bow and got to sketch and measure the scantlings.
Following the individual drawings, we got to work together as a team to create a profile sketch of Vikingo 2. We started at the bow, so I got to draw first. As we continued down the vessel, we decided an easy way to record was for me to continue drawing and recording the measurements given to me by my teammates. I never thought I would be any good at drawing a vessel, but it turned out well and looks exactly like the boat! Not only is the drawing to scale, but the image can be reconstructed in a computer program or built from my drawing.
The whole experience was really neat. Because these boats are still in use, the vessel we recorded was sitting on the beach. We were right next to the water and the crashing waves, surrounded by the natural environment of Costa Rica the whole time. Although there were not awesome animals today, the entirety of the environment was fantastic a fantastic working environment.
Through this experience, I feel like I gained, not only expertise in small boat recording, which is integral in understanding the maritime culture of Cahuita and Costa Rica, but I also learned new skills in a fun and inviting environment. So far being in Costa Rica to practice skills in underwater archaeology has been fantastic and I wouldn’t change this opportunity for anything.
-Allyson