A Two Week Taste of Costa Rica
Jan 25th, 2013, 03:03 PM
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Thanks for the encouraging comments. My last installment coming up. Yes, Aguila de Osa was my favorite place of the entire trip. And yes, we could have been more assertive about our seating.
After lunch I nabbed a chaise lounge (8 to 10 loungers for 40 + guests was totally inadequate) and read by the pool. Three boys, between three and eight, were jumping, splashing and yelling, not too relaxing for me but fun for the kids. I’d read that there is an adults only policy after four in the afternoon but with so many kids that didn’t happen.
Swinging in a hammock that overlooks the ocean was blissful relaxation that occupied me until our birding excursion. Unlike the early morning birding conducted on the property, this 3:30 pm trip took us off the property and into pasture lands. Carlos brought an 800 power magnification scope from which we could see so many birds: a red woodpecker, social flycatcher, white ibis, palm tanager, crested caracara, a falcon. My favorite sightings were of a Baltimore oriole, several red lured parrots and a pair of stunning scarlet macaws. At B del C each activity is charged separately, in contrast to Aguila where they include 2 activities in their holiday package. No reduced fee if you choose not to do an activity.
After a delightful outdoor shower (just off our bathroom) Fred and I sat on our deck enjoying a nice red wine and listening to birds calling and flying overhead.
A major happening had taken place minutes before we entered the outdoor (open on all sides and high roof) dining room. A fer-de-lance had slithered across the wood floor and ended its reign of terror by decamping defensively (curled up) by a tree beyond the dining room. Apparently, this pit viper is among the most venomous snakes and one has to look carefully before taking a step.
Today is our last full vacation day in CR. At 8 am we gathered to begin our 3+ hour "primary rainforest hike". Phillip Davidson, the resident biologist and our guide, has been living down in Osa for thirty years, researching and writing about the great biodiversity of this area. His current research involves monitoring the population dynamics of butterflies and amphibians; he believes this information can provide early indicators of changes that many affect many life forms including us.
He had a wealth of information and presented it well. The hike did not cover much mileage but there was a lot of up and down hills and negotiating through surface tree roots. You must take care not to lose your footing or brace a fall by grabbing a tree with deadly spikes around it. I truly enjoyed this tour. It didn't help our morale that the other couple on this tour were in their thirties and had to wait for us after every incline. Well, I just have to get used to that.
After lunch I nabbed a chaise lounge (8 to 10 loungers for 40 + guests was totally inadequate) and read by the pool. Three boys, between three and eight, were jumping, splashing and yelling, not too relaxing for me but fun for the kids. I’d read that there is an adults only policy after four in the afternoon but with so many kids that didn’t happen.
Swinging in a hammock that overlooks the ocean was blissful relaxation that occupied me until our birding excursion. Unlike the early morning birding conducted on the property, this 3:30 pm trip took us off the property and into pasture lands. Carlos brought an 800 power magnification scope from which we could see so many birds: a red woodpecker, social flycatcher, white ibis, palm tanager, crested caracara, a falcon. My favorite sightings were of a Baltimore oriole, several red lured parrots and a pair of stunning scarlet macaws. At B del C each activity is charged separately, in contrast to Aguila where they include 2 activities in their holiday package. No reduced fee if you choose not to do an activity.
After a delightful outdoor shower (just off our bathroom) Fred and I sat on our deck enjoying a nice red wine and listening to birds calling and flying overhead.
A major happening had taken place minutes before we entered the outdoor (open on all sides and high roof) dining room. A fer-de-lance had slithered across the wood floor and ended its reign of terror by decamping defensively (curled up) by a tree beyond the dining room. Apparently, this pit viper is among the most venomous snakes and one has to look carefully before taking a step.
As usual we were reading in bed by nine and sleeping soon after.
Today is our last full vacation day in CR. At 8 am we gathered to begin our 3+ hour "primary rainforest hike". Phillip Davidson, the resident biologist and our guide, has been living down in Osa for thirty years, researching and writing about the great biodiversity of this area. His current research involves monitoring the population dynamics of butterflies and amphibians; he believes this information can provide early indicators of changes that many affect many life forms including us.
He had a wealth of information and presented it well. The hike did not cover much mileage but there was a lot of up and down hills and negotiating through surface tree roots. You must take care not to lose your footing or brace a fall by grabbing a tree with deadly spikes around it. I truly enjoyed this tour. It didn't help our morale that the other couple on this tour were in their thirties and had to wait for us after every incline. Well, I just have to get used to that.
After lunch I nabbed a chaise lounge (8 to 10 loungers for 40 + guests was totally inadequate) and read by the pool. Three boys, between three and eight, were jumping, splashing and yelling, not too relaxing for me but fun for the kids. I’d read that there is an adults only policy after four in the afternoon but with so many kids that didn’t happen.
Swinging in a hammock that overlooks the ocean was blissful relaxation that occupied me until our birding excursion. Unlike the early morning birding conducted on the property, this 3:30 pm trip took us off the property and into pasture lands. Carlos brought an 800 power magnification scope from which we could see so many birds: a red woodpecker, social flycatcher, white ibis, palm tanager, crested caracara, a falcon. My favorite sightings were of a Baltimore oriole, several red lured parrots and a pair of stunning scarlet macaws. At B del C each activity is charged separately, in contrast to Aguila where they include 2 activities in their holiday package. No reduced fee if you choose not to do an activity.
After a delightful outdoor shower (just off our bathroom) Fred and I sat on our deck enjoying a nice red wine and listening to birds calling and flying overhead.
A major happening had taken place minutes before we entered the outdoor (open on all sides and high roof) dining room. A fer-de-lance had slithered across the wood floor and ended its reign of terror by decamping defensively (curled up) by a tree beyond the dining room. Apparently, this pit viper is among the most venomous snakes and one has to look carefully before taking a step.
As usual we were reading in bed by nine and sleeping soon after.
Today is our last full vacation day in CR. At 8 am we gathered to begin our 3+ hour "primary rainforest hike". Phillip Davidson, the resident biologist and our guide, has been living down in Osa for thirty years, researching and writing about the great biodiversity of this area. His current research involves monitoring the population dynamics of butterflies and amphibians; he believes this information can provide early indicators of changes that many affect many life forms including us.
He had a wealth of information and presented it well. The hike did not cover much mileage but there was a lot of up and down hills and negotiating through surface tree roots. You must take care not to lose your footing or brace a fall by grabbing a tree with deadly spikes around it. I truly enjoyed this tour. It didn't help our morale that the other couple on this tour were in their thirties and had to wait for us after every incline. Well, I just have to get used to that.
This afternoon I was sitting on our balcony while Fred showered. To my great delight I saw a troop of NINE spider monkeys climb up one tree and gracefully jump to the neighboring tree. WOW. No binoculars needed, they were that close. What a way to end our first trip to CR.
We left in ample time for the drive back to the air strip. En route we got a great sendoff from two macaws flying low in front of our jeep.
Back in San Jose we overnighted at the Courtyard by Marriott. Our 8 am AA flight had a lousy routing; we stopped in Miami before arrival in Los Angeles. We had a wonderful time (despite my complaints) and I’m ready to go back. In fact, I will post a draft itinerary later and hope you’ll comment. Thank you all otra vez.
Hasta leugo,
Robbie (short for Roberta)
After lunch I nabbed a chaise lounge (8 to 10 loungers for 40 + guests was totally inadequate) and read by the pool. Three boys, between three and eight, were jumping, splashing and yelling, not too relaxing for me but fun for the kids. I’d read that there is an adults only policy after four in the afternoon but with so many kids that didn’t happen.
Swinging in a hammock that overlooks the ocean was blissful relaxation that occupied me until our birding excursion. Unlike the early morning birding conducted on the property, this 3:30 pm trip took us off the property and into pasture lands. Carlos brought an 800 power magnification scope from which we could see so many birds: a red woodpecker, social flycatcher, white ibis, palm tanager, crested caracara, a falcon. My favorite sightings were of a Baltimore oriole, several red lured parrots and a pair of stunning scarlet macaws. At B del C each activity is charged separately, in contrast to Aguila where they include 2 activities in their holiday package. No reduced fee if you choose not to do an activity.
After a delightful outdoor shower (just off our bathroom) Fred and I sat on our deck enjoying a nice red wine and listening to birds calling and flying overhead.
A major happening had taken place minutes before we entered the outdoor (open on all sides and high roof) dining room. A fer-de-lance had slithered across the wood floor and ended its reign of terror by decamping defensively (curled up) by a tree beyond the dining room. Apparently, this pit viper is among the most venomous snakes and one has to look carefully before taking a step.
Today is our last full vacation day in CR. At 8 am we gathered to begin our 3+ hour "primary rainforest hike". Phillip Davidson, the resident biologist and our guide, has been living down in Osa for thirty years, researching and writing about the great biodiversity of this area. His current research involves monitoring the population dynamics of butterflies and amphibians; he believes this information can provide early indicators of changes that many affect many life forms including us.
He had a wealth of information and presented it well. The hike did not cover much mileage but there was a lot of up and down hills and negotiating through surface tree roots. You must take care not to lose your footing or brace a fall by grabbing a tree with deadly spikes around it. I truly enjoyed this tour. It didn't help our morale that the other couple on this tour were in their thirties and had to wait for us after every incline. Well, I just have to get used to that.
After lunch I nabbed a chaise lounge (8 to 10 loungers for 40 + guests was totally inadequate) and read by the pool. Three boys, between three and eight, were jumping, splashing and yelling, not too relaxing for me but fun for the kids. I’d read that there is an adults only policy after four in the afternoon but with so many kids that didn’t happen.
Swinging in a hammock that overlooks the ocean was blissful relaxation that occupied me until our birding excursion. Unlike the early morning birding conducted on the property, this 3:30 pm trip took us off the property and into pasture lands. Carlos brought an 800 power magnification scope from which we could see so many birds: a red woodpecker, social flycatcher, white ibis, palm tanager, crested caracara, a falcon. My favorite sightings were of a Baltimore oriole, several red lured parrots and a pair of stunning scarlet macaws. At B del C each activity is charged separately, in contrast to Aguila where they include 2 activities in their holiday package. No reduced fee if you choose not to do an activity.
After a delightful outdoor shower (just off our bathroom) Fred and I sat on our deck enjoying a nice red wine and listening to birds calling and flying overhead.
A major happening had taken place minutes before we entered the outdoor (open on all sides and high roof) dining room. A fer-de-lance had slithered across the wood floor and ended its reign of terror by decamping defensively (curled up) by a tree beyond the dining room. Apparently, this pit viper is among the most venomous snakes and one has to look carefully before taking a step.
As usual we were reading in bed by nine and sleeping soon after.
Today is our last full vacation day in CR. At 8 am we gathered to begin our 3+ hour "primary rainforest hike". Phillip Davidson, the resident biologist and our guide, has been living down in Osa for thirty years, researching and writing about the great biodiversity of this area. His current research involves monitoring the population dynamics of butterflies and amphibians; he believes this information can provide early indicators of changes that many affect many life forms including us.
He had a wealth of information and presented it well. The hike did not cover much mileage but there was a lot of up and down hills and negotiating through surface tree roots. You must take care not to lose your footing or brace a fall by grabbing a tree with deadly spikes around it. I truly enjoyed this tour. It didn't help our morale that the other couple on this tour were in their thirties and had to wait for us after every incline. Well, I just have to get used to that.
After lunch I nabbed a chaise lounge (8 to 10 loungers for 40 + guests was totally inadequate) and read by the pool. Three boys, between three and eight, were jumping, splashing and yelling, not too relaxing for me but fun for the kids. I’d read that there is an adults only policy after four in the afternoon but with so many kids that didn’t happen.
Swinging in a hammock that overlooks the ocean was blissful relaxation that occupied me until our birding excursion. Unlike the early morning birding conducted on the property, this 3:30 pm trip took us off the property and into pasture lands. Carlos brought an 800 power magnification scope from which we could see so many birds: a red woodpecker, social flycatcher, white ibis, palm tanager, crested caracara, a falcon. My favorite sightings were of a Baltimore oriole, several red lured parrots and a pair of stunning scarlet macaws. At B del C each activity is charged separately, in contrast to Aguila where they include 2 activities in their holiday package. No reduced fee if you choose not to do an activity.
After a delightful outdoor shower (just off our bathroom) Fred and I sat on our deck enjoying a nice red wine and listening to birds calling and flying overhead.
A major happening had taken place minutes before we entered the outdoor (open on all sides and high roof) dining room. A fer-de-lance had slithered across the wood floor and ended its reign of terror by decamping defensively (curled up) by a tree beyond the dining room. Apparently, this pit viper is among the most venomous snakes and one has to look carefully before taking a step.
As usual we were reading in bed by nine and sleeping soon after.
Today is our last full vacation day in CR. At 8 am we gathered to begin our 3+ hour "primary rainforest hike". Phillip Davidson, the resident biologist and our guide, has been living down in Osa for thirty years, researching and writing about the great biodiversity of this area. His current research involves monitoring the population dynamics of butterflies and amphibians; he believes this information can provide early indicators of changes that many affect many life forms including us.
He had a wealth of information and presented it well. The hike did not cover much mileage but there was a lot of up and down hills and negotiating through surface tree roots. You must take care not to lose your footing or brace a fall by grabbing a tree with deadly spikes around it. I truly enjoyed this tour. It didn't help our morale that the other couple on this tour were in their thirties and had to wait for us after every incline. Well, I just have to get used to that.
This afternoon I was sitting on our balcony while Fred showered. To my great delight I saw a troop of NINE spider monkeys climb up one tree and gracefully jump to the neighboring tree. WOW. No binoculars needed, they were that close. What a way to end our first trip to CR.
We left in ample time for the drive back to the air strip. En route we got a great sendoff from two macaws flying low in front of our jeep.
Back in San Jose we overnighted at the Courtyard by Marriott. Our 8 am AA flight had a lousy routing; we stopped in Miami before arrival in Los Angeles. We had a wonderful time (despite my complaints) and I’m ready to go back. In fact, I will post a draft itinerary later and hope you’ll comment. Thank you all otra vez.
Hasta leugo,
Robbie (short for Roberta)
Jan 26th, 2013, 01:02 PM
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Ooh, Fer de Lance - we saw one while we were hiking at La Selva in the Sarapiqui area. Our guide took lots of good pictures for us. I was thrilled to see it, but glad it didn't get too close. Your trip sounds wonderful. Aguila de Osa sounds like a neat spot.
Jan 26th, 2013, 03:28 PM
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Funny vg, the only place I have seen a tercipelo was at Selva Verde. Actually I take that back, I saw a juve one at El Remanso. I love seeing them though, as long as they are a good distance away and someone points it out to me.
Crazy story from one of my stays at Bosque - nice couple there, total newbies to CR, did not know any of the animals, birds, etc. They were out on a walk and took that shortcut to the tropical garden from the driveway. At happy hour they were so excited about a snake they had seen and got great close-ups. Turned out it was a tercipelo and they had no clue! What was great was Carlos knew exactly where they had taken the photo, said he "knew that one"!
Crazy story from one of my stays at Bosque - nice couple there, total newbies to CR, did not know any of the animals, birds, etc. They were out on a walk and took that shortcut to the tropical garden from the driveway. At happy hour they were so excited about a snake they had seen and got great close-ups. Turned out it was a tercipelo and they had no clue! What was great was Carlos knew exactly where they had taken the photo, said he "knew that one"!
Jan 27th, 2013, 11:53 AM
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We would like to contact Eric your tour guide in Arenal. We don't have a phone to call his number and when I looked up his website, it was a company called tabartours that organized religious trips to Israel.
Do you have any other way of contacting him. Maybe his website is a bit different than the one you gave.
Really appreciate it. Leaving Monday.
Do you have any other way of contacting him. Maybe his website is a bit different than the one you gave.
Really appreciate it. Leaving Monday.
Jan 27th, 2013, 03:28 PM
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I've had my close encounter with fer de lance in GGandoca Manzanillo NP. Almost stepped on a juvenile one, and those are the most dangerous as they deliver all of their poison (adult ones are more wise). They are so well camouflaged it is almost impossible to spot them.
Jan 28th, 2013, 07:50 AM
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