Field Notes: January 20, 2026 Location: Congo Basin, Central Africa ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Encounter Summary: The dense canopy here blocks out almost all direct sunlight, creating a perpetual twilight on the forest floor. It’s a disorienting place to hike, which explains why the local guides speak of "earthbound stars" that help travelers find their way. I assumed they meant fireflies until my colleague, Marcus, froze on the trail and pointed into the mist. We had stumbled upon a grazing herd of Phosflor