At 8:15 AM we gathered for departure. We reviewed our gear checklist as we do everyday to ensure we don’t forget any of our equipment. On the way to the site is an internet cafe, where we stopped to post yesterday’s update and retrieve email. When we pulled into Don Raphael’s gate he stepped out of his home to greet us. This morning we presented him with a simple map of the system. He seemed greatly pleased. This gesture fulfills a promise made to Don Raphael when he first gave us permission to dive off of his property.

This morning we arrived at Don Raphael’s ranch at 9 am as promised. Don Raphael is the owner of this property and has graciously given us unlimited access. He greeted us as always with a warm smile and handshake. Communication is limited with our broken Spanish, but the conversation seems to be effective. Don Raphael bid us adieu and off we went to the cenotes. A new feature has been added to the site, Don Raphael has placed signs indicating where the cenotes are which has proven to be helpful for other divers that may visit the site due to the overgrowth of the jungle.

Due to the late arrival yesterday the team decided to sleep in and relax a bit prior to jungle departure. Nonetheless, despite sleeping in we were rigged and ready for a 4 bottle warm-up run and hit the road about 11:45 AM. Cordial and warm as always, Don Raphael greeted us enthusiastically when we arrived at his ranch. After spending time saying “hello,” we bumped and lurched our way back to Cenote Muchachos.

Today actually started yesterday for the Akumal team. A big thank you to all of our sponsors who helped us at the last minute by making sure we had all of the necessary items required for the expedition. A special thank you to our family and loved ones who have been very supportive of our efforts in preparation for this project to include taking us to the airport in the early hours of the morning. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed and we appreciate all you do.

We are getting geared up for the 2005 Sistema Camilo expedition to Akumal, Mexico. For the fifth year in a row, the Cambrian Foundation will be surveying, mapping, and collecting hydrogeological data in this submerged cave system 60 miles south of Cancun. With rapid urbanization along the Riviera Maya and the absence of surface waters in this region, groundwater is an extremely important resource to the people of Akumal. Helping them to understand patterns and pathways of groundwater flow are not only important in finding clean drinking water, it is necessary for ensuring their survival.