Manuel Antonio National Park

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This was our last day of planned activities here in “The jungle on the beach”. Our muscles were sore and tired, but we had another day of hiking, so we sucked it up and attacked the Manuel Antonio National Park. First, we learned that the land used to be owned by a man named...Manuel Antonio. For many years the locals had a path across it to the best beach around. Manuel Antonio was fine with that, so the practice went on for many years. After he died, a French man purchased the property and he erected a fence and put up “Prohibido el paso” signs. The locals climbed the fence and crossed through his jungle to the beach. He built taller fences, and they continued to go over. When he added even more security, the locals began to make threats that caused the government to get involved. In order to peacefully solve the standoff, the government used the right of eminent domain, forced him to sell them the land, and made a national park out of it. Power to the people! Our guide, Gilbert, walked us through the main trail to the park, watching for wildlife along the way. His ability to see things totally camouflaged was amazing! The guides all carry large tripod and scopes, so when they see something that the rest of us have trouble seeing, they line up the scope so we can look through it. He showed us a yellow silk spider and explained that the supporting line that they spin is stronger than steel of the same size. Research has been done on the string, and it has recently been produced synthetically to make a product similar to Kevlar. We also saw sloths, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, and the smallest Costa Rican monkey—the squirrel monkey. There were several iguanas, and at one point a white-faced monkey was threatening one of them. We thought we were going to see a National Geographic moment, but the monkey passed on by opting for a piece of fruit instead. After 90 minutes of wildlife viewing, we arrived at the beach where we could spend the remainder of the day. I'd had enough salt water yesterday, and I knew I didn't want to make the long hike back, covered with salt and sand. I found a place to sit and watch the monkeys and raccoons try to steal things from the tourists. They are very persistent, and even able to open zippers. Marshall waded in the water and then climbed over some volcanic boulders, studying the hundreds of crabs in the tidepools. He slipped and took a fall on the boulders, so by the time he returned, he'd had enough. He was a great traveler; open to new foods and happily going along with any plans. However, he had hit the “tourist wall” and needed some time off. We walked the mile and a half back to the park's outskirts where we caught a taxi back to the hotel. After immediately taking a shower, he was feeling 50% better, and after a U.S.A.-style lunch he was 100% better. While he chillaxed, I went a few miles down the road to an Asian-style spa for a massage. Wow! The place was wonderful. The massage room was very Zen with two sets of French doors open to a beautiful bog garden. It was raining, and the sound was perfect to set the calming atmosphere. I loved every minute/dollar of it! Our farewell dinner with everyone on the tour was tonight at our hotel's restaurant. It's an open air place next to the pool and surrounded by jungle. In fact the sloth we had seen every day was still in the tree next to the pool and restaurant. The monkeys had been there earlier, but by the time we had dinner, they had gone to bed. Dinner was good and enjoyable until an 18 year old girl in our group suddenly passed out at the table. She was traveling with her aunt, celebrating her graduation (valedictorian) from Rock Island H.S. In Rock Island, IL. Sitting just 2 seats away was another member of our group who happens to be an internal medicine doctor. He quickly took charge and after scaring all of us, she regained consciousness. They took her away from the table until she recovered enough to return. Apparently, it was too much sun, heat, dehydration, and wine. She really hadn't had much to drink, but in addition to the other factors, things just weren't working. What excitement! Tonight was karaoke night at the bar, so most of us went there for a while. The average age of the attendees was probably 28, but I felt they needed a little maturity, so I went too. One of our members is a voice teacher in the Bronx, so she was our entry into the show. We all had a good time and ended our night with “I've Got Friends in Low Places.” OMG

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Photos

White-faced monkey
We saw many of these at our hotel and in the national park.

Howler monkey
These monkeys are much larger than the other breeds.