Monteverde Cloud Forest April 29

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Hello again:

We are in the cloud forest and it definitely has cooled off. Not parka weather or anything, but much more bearable.

Today we were awakened at 4:30 am by a bird or bat flinging itself into our bedroom window. It was so loud, Guy and Wendy heard it two cabins over!

It's a beautiful morning and we visited the Hanging Bridges - 8 bridges connected by paths at the Cloud Forest Treetops. It is absolutely mind-boggling how many different plants, trees, flowers, ferns, mosses, bushes, etc., etc, there are. We walked slowly and enjoyed as much of it as we could take in. Guy and Wendy were looking for leaf shapes that are represented in the classroom botany materials but for which there are no species in North America.

Then it was on to the Butterfly Garden, the Insect Habitat, and the Amphibian, Reptile House. Did you know that in all of Costa Rice there is only one species of toad? All were impressive, but the butterfly garden was my favorite. Our guide knew more about butterflies than you can imagine. At the end he asked if we had any questions. Dante responded: "You answered them before we even thought about asking them." He was equally knowledgeable about snakes, beetles, spiders, scorpions, frogs.... I was exhausted just listening.

At lunch the buffet offered what I thought was milk. It turned out to be guanabana. We thought they said ma-na-na-na - the old Sesame Street Song. So we old folks had about a half hour of singing ma-na-na-na, doot do do do do. Remember that?
No one said we had to act our age.

Then we visited a local school. Our children and theirs were embarrassed so it took a while to warm up. They sang songs to each other and that broke the ice. We left the things we had brought to them.

Then back to the lodge for a short rest before embarking on an early evening hike to look for nocturnal animals. The kids loved it. Flashlights in a very dark forest. Lots of sounds all around whose origin could only be guessed at. But not a very opportunity to take photos.

The first animal we saw was a relative of the kinkajou - but I didn't quite get it's name in Spanish. Then, we saw an ant hill populated by leaf cutter ants. One queen and over a million ants! The queens live 15 or 20 years and when she dies, all those ants die within a week or so.

Then we saw a sleeping Emerald Toucanette asleep in a tree. No bothered a bit by a light shining on it.

The last animal we saw was a tarantula. We learned they don't hunt but wait patiently in their hole for a cricket, or frog, or beetle to wander by.

Then on to dinner and a surprise birthday party for Emily who is 12 today. We had arranged for the restaurant to make a cake, we sang in English and Spanish, she opened presents and a good time was had by all.

Tomorrow we hike again and leave Monteverde for Manuel Antonio State Park.

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Photos

Hanging Bridges
We hiked this unusual trail. Not great for wildlife, but today was definitely flora day.

Kids on a bridge
Mr. Calise keep us on our toes by shaking the bridge every chance he got. Very funny.

Our trusty guide, Shayla
She knew a lot about this forest.

Diversity
There are thousands of species of plants in this forest.

Texture
Different shapes, colors, and even textures. This one felt especially interesting.

Feathery
These plants were very unusual. They had a feathery appearance and were usually covered with water droplets.

One lone flower
This one was taken from the bridge. There was only a single flower. I guess the pollinators won't have any trouble finding it.

A specialty
The only reason for the color on this plant is to attract pollinators.

One of many ferns
I think this is called a fiddlehead fern for obvious reasons. When it opens it looks like the surrounding ferns.

Owl Butterfly
If you look closely, it looks like an owl from either end. One of the larger butterflies in Costa Rica.

Dante with owl butterfly
They don't mind being handled. And, Dante was happy to handle one, but having his picture taken? Not so much.

Postman butterfly
Here's the story we were told. These butterflies are mating. They stay coupled for 18 to 21 hours. When they part, the male dies. But he dies happy.
I did not make that up.

beckett
Beckett had to be coaxed into holding this butterfly but he did. He said it tickled.

School Visit
This is a public school in the town of Monteverde.

How sweet are they?
Many of the children shared a desk.

They sing to us
The children sang the National Anthem of Costa Rica for us.

We sing for them
Our kids sang our National Anthem.

Cloud Forest
This is the view outside our room. Stunning.

Tarantula
If you look closely you will see the tarantula. It was about as big as my hand. Look where it is brightest.

Emily's Birthday
She appears to be having a great time, as were we.

Comments

[Hiromi Armstrong]

Thank you
Such a special day she had!! I am so happy for her. Thank you, thank you all for being her family today and always.

[kim shultz]

Who was that mystery zip line woman!!!?? So very familiar!

[Karen]

Happy Birthday
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY! YOU'LL NEVER FORGET THIS BIRTHDAY!!!! Mrs. O'Malley

[Mishelle Ordosgoitia]

Feliz Cumpleaños Emily!
Y que cumplas muchos mas. Mmm... deliciosa la guanabana! Monteverde se ve maravilloso, que naturaleza tan hermosa. Nos vemos el lunes. Mishelle Ordosgoitia

[Kim Anderson]

WOW!! I can't believe your trip is coming to an end. Although I missed all of you, it went sooooooo fast. Again, love the pictures and all the information.

[anonymous]

Feliz Cumpleanos Emily!!!!! Que cumplas muchos mas y que hagas todos tus suenos realidad. Nos vemos el lunes. Sra. Armenta

[Tess' Mom]

Thank you
All I can say is I have enjoyed seeing your adventures. I want to be a 6th grader at CSMS! What a wonderful opportunity and a wonderful group of kids. Safe travels home!