Blogs from Central America Caribbean - page 6

I needed a reminder that today is Wednesday! We had plenty of time to say thank you to both Yadi the chef and Joaquin the all-around man, and do our packing up. Joaquin sent us off with a box full of goodies: plantains, huge avocados, and cassava roots. We exchanged hugs and left by 11 am, Heather and David having left earlier to return the 2 rental cars. BTW we spent about $112 for that 3 day rental. The road that Carlos took was to the west, past the entrance to Ecotermales and Arenal Observatory and Mistoco Hanging Bridges. We circumnavigated the huge Lake Arenal, created by tectonic activity centuries ago, but expanded on purpose to create electricity (Carlos said it supplies 1/3 of the country’s needs), and wiping out two towns that were rebuilt elsewhere. ... read more

Wow, have we done a lot today. Lovely breakfast again prepared by Yadi, who lives next door, on the grounds. Had a 45 min drive to Mistoco Hanging Bridges tour – a guided walk. Our guide was Donald, and he was excellent at pointing out all sorts of things. David understood that this would not be a birding tour – for that we should have been there at 6 not 9. We saw 3 snakes, the flat frogs on leaves that looked like gummy frogs, a NEW HUMMINGBIRD, and an owl (NEW BIRD), a bat, and some bluejean frogs (they are bright red but have blue legs). We heard toucans and saw a Rufous motmot. We went up and down for 3 hours and were very very hot by the end. Donald recommended a soda for ... read more

Unfortunately both flights got in very very late Friday night, so none of us got much sleep, but the good news is that all our family arrived safely, and we are very grateful.. Even with 4 hours sleep, we walked the grounds a bit before breakfast. It’s bright so early, everyone was soon up and enjoying the traditional Tico breakfast of eggs, fruit, rice mixed with black beans, and coffee and juice of course. Our driver Carlos arrived early and we piled in. More than enough room for all, but not much more for luggage if we’d had more. Jean in the way back with Andrew, as neither of us get car sick, then, closer to the front was Heather & Dario and Megan, right behind driver was Anna & Mike, and David sat shotgun. We ... read more

Our last day here in the mountains – we leave tomorrow for Alajuela and meeting our family, whoopee. But sad to leave this lovely cool area. Today’s rain actually held off longer than any other day. So we walked A LOT. This hotel has its own huge natural preserve, up in the hills, so we drove our own 4 wheel drive up to the viewing platform after breakfast, and then walked quite a bit up the mountain. Sadly didn’t see many birds, but there were butterflies, caterpillars, mushrooms, and very “Hobbity-looking” moss-covered trees. David saw something big run across the path – so I took a photo of its hoofprint. Boar? Tapir? I didn’t see it.We also walked along the river some more, and saw a huge Black Guan. We had seen it last year, but ... read more

Where to begin! We were up at 4:30 again so that we could leave at 5 to meet our birding guide Michel (pronounced Michael). To our horror, however, the main entrance gate across the bridge was locked. Yes, it locks from 9 pm to 5 am. We walked up and down the steep entrance road trying to find someone, anyone, to help us. Tried every phone in the info kiosk and on the outside of reception. Finally, around 5:30, a woman was driving out and I flagged her down. She must work here, and knew the man who should have opened the gate – he was still asleep. Fortunately we have bars on our phone here and David could WhatsApp Michel to explain the delay. We drove up the steep and winding road to the main ... read more