cmerrell

That puma story is just too cool!

p.s. I would probably would have gone for a jog as well if I had peccaries clicking their teeth at me! ;-)

So still on to Argentina? Sounds like owlwoman has some first-hand experience. That will be an exciting trip!

hipvirgochick

tully -- Really enjoying your trip report! It's amazing how many times you can return and have so many different experiences. Having been to BDC twice now I still haven't encountered the Peccaries and they seem to be a pretty common encounter for many...although I thought I heard them rustling in the bushes one time...maybe next trip! Needless to say I'm VERY excited to hear about the Puma sightings! I guess I need to finish up my report soon too before it disappears...

cmerrell

Hi Hip!

Many are waiting with bated breath for the rest of your report (myself included!).

Sally30

Hi, we were at BdC after you (May 17-20), our first time there and in Costa Rica. It was great!! I loved every minute of it but I am not used to being so close to nature so if my husband had fully disclosed what I was getting into, I never would have gone. Fortunately it was part of a work trip for me and I was very busy and let him plan so I didn't know what we were doing and ended up loving it. Guess that shows you not to prejudge....Anyway, just wanted to let you know that our first day/night was dry but then the rains came after than pretty steadily each day. Sounded like the rainy season came a month late this year. The creek was very low in water so I'm glad they got the rain. It really only rained one afternoon for an hour or so and then at night so it wasn't a problem for our trip.

Funnily enough, I saw the most animals just walking on the driveway. Even more than the trails. I am a bit of a clumsy walker, like your dad, and probably scared off some animals though!

shillmac

Tully, you are doing such a great job of "taking us all there"--thanks!

I got a huge kick out of your "this ain't so bad" thought at Cabo Blanco! I, too, came near to a panic attack on that one. . .very hot, in the trees, no air moving, going uphill, couldn't pull in enough air. I came close!

Lancome has been my favorite mascara for years. Best I've ever used. . .I'd almost forgotten about it as I've stopped wearing eye makeup completely for about 2 years now. I keep having trouble with my eyes, always after being out in high winds (pretty common where I live)--some kind of bacteria. .I'm convinced it has to do with a lot of chemical plants in and around where we live.

Okay, so I'm going back and forth still. . .Pacuare, BdP, Pacuarfe, Bdp. I want to raft the Pacuare SO badly (on the 2 night trip), but am thinking we should choose the less pricey option and enjoy a few days of R&R at a new place. And then there's Savegre--just about can't stand to skip it for a year. AND I'd like to explore Tapanti. . AND didn't get to Puerto Viejo last year--vowed to go this year--not enough TIME!

I do think Bosque de Paz sound like our kind of place, and I love that climate. That will more than likely be our choice.

As for Guanacaste and Nicoya, I was surprised at the dustiness and brown-ness when we were first there in March. It is a different place once the rain has been coming down for a month or two. Very lush and green. It's where we first "fell in love with CR", so will always hold a special place in my heart. So different now, though, with all the big D.

Loved hearing about your adventures with your dad. Can't believe you saw peccaries again! I still haven't. . .and the puma story--WOW!

We are anxious to see Ben. . .how old will he be when we are there mid July? 7 months? You think he'll be wearing 9 month stuff or will need 12 month? Guess 12 (or even 18) is always safer. Not like there's seasonal changes to think about! Maybe he just needs some rain boots! Actually, that's a thought. . .

Loved the mouse story. . .sorry you had so much trouble with mosquitoes. . .you're pretty loveable!

Anxious to hear about the tail end of your trip.

tully

vg - Aida is still running the cat trap program, you can see some pics at the FOO site (http://www.osaconservation.org/). She was there during my trip with some updated pics, very cool! I think they took it off the Titi trail as they were tired of me tripping it Just kidding, but I did once set it off, the tape was down and I walked right thru it, scared the crap outta me! Lovely pic of my knees I'm sure.

owlwoman - yes, and apparently late planning too! I thought I would leisurely get around to booking my AR stuff, good thing I emailed Isabel when I got back from CR, I guess Oct is a popular time. Did get awesome flight times on LAN and a jungle view at the Sheraton, so can breathe a little easier now. Definitely want to hit up the markets on weekend and get some jewelry.

cam - yes, clicking is not a nice thing and they smell something awful to boot It's great the puma's are coming back into a healthier population...wonder if the 2 were siblings or mates?

hvc - ahem, yes you do have some finishing up to do! Don't worry, the puma's will be there next trip Slap me on the back if I stop breathing and remind me to take a picture.

Sally I'm glad you had a wonderful time and I'm glad they finally got some rain, the creek was looking rather low! I understand how you felt beforehand, been there! Have definitely wondered (still do) am I up for this, this is outside my comfort zone....but the payoff is so rewarding it's worth it. The driveway is one of my favourite 'hikes'! There are always so many animals along that trail, love it in the early morning.

Jill yeah he should be about 7.5 months, but I'd definitely size up as he is lean & lanky, gonna be tall! I think you'd really dig BdP, if you don't hit it this trip I guess you'll have to go back to CR again

Ok, promise will finish the report off this weekend, I'm dragging my feet I know.

tully

Ok better finish this off before I forget!

Next to last day....We said our sad goodbyes at BdC and were driven back to the PJ airstrip by Kevin, who as usual spotted lots of stuff including 3 acaris in the trees, a troop of squirrel monkeys and a herd of cows coming down the road (well that was quite obvious to all of us). Flight took off on time and arrived at Pavas about 11:30, great to see Luis as we came off the place, as well as Alberto & Carlos who were also at Pavas. They have a booth where you can pay your exit tax in advance, so as we as had an early flight next day we went and took care of that. Off with Luis to Orquideas Inn, threw our bags in our rooms (Garden rooms, with my dad & I at opposite ends of the building, ha) and off to Colinas de Las Poas zipline tour. We stopped right outside the entry at a restaurant called Freddy Fresa's and had an excellent lunch, typical casado's, the total for the 3 of us was only $15. We then had some extra time so we stepped in next door to buy some souvenirs, they had a big selection at lower prices than I saw for the same items at the airport the next day.
Off we went to the zipline, which was in a beautiful landscaped small park, with a small pond full of tilapia you could catch for lunch, lots of hummingbirds and tons of different flowers and plants, a very nicely taken care of place. We were the only 3 on the tour (I'd insisted Luis come along with us, on me) and the lines got better as we went along. The latter lines had beautiful views toward Poas and the surrounding areas, while the earlier ones were more thru the trees. My dad seemed to enjoy it a lot, and seemed to enjoy snapping pics of me all suited as well. The guides were nice and friendly, showing us more plants & picking yummy berries. The last long is so long you can't see the end of it, I could've done that one several times if they'd let me! Just as we finished and grabbed some drinks (Fanta Kolita - my new fave!) a big thunderclap sounded and we could see clouds rolling in. Not more than 5 minutes after we left it started pouring hard, perfect timing! Unfortunately this dampered a bit our grovery store stop, we needed coffee and finally stopped at a Pali. Their selection was pretty limited and we only ended getting a couple bags. Back to Orquideas to unwind for a couple hours (some 'alone' time was needed!) and we met up for dinner which was great as always.

Our flight was an early one so we had to meet Luis at 4:45am, ouch! Thankfully they have coffee makers in the rooms or I wouldn't have made it. After the AA check-in, security & immigrations, we only had about 45 minutes left, so we wandered about the Cafe Britt stores but didn't buy much, they are so over-priced. Our flight left on time & immigration in Miami moved relatively quickly and then finally home, sadly.

Of course I'm already planning my next CR trip, not sure about my dad though! I think he enjoyed his time there a lot and would like to bring my mom but she isn't too keen on a lot of things you may run into in the country - bugs, no hair dryer, no museums etc, but maybe one day we can convince her.
If you have any questions, I'll try my best to answer them.

cmerrell

Well done, Tully! You can rest on the trip report front until Argentina (which is on my to-visit list as well, so I'll look forward to your impressions).

Ziplining with Luis would be a blast! Sounds like a nice way to end your trip. Another terrific visit to Costa Rica under your belt!

surfexec

Enjoyed your report,Tully! I can't believe it was still so dusty in Mal Pais in May! Sounds like the rains came late this year! It had to have been extremely dry, which is a shame. It's amazingly lush & green in August, which makes the area look so much more natural and jungly(if that's even a word).

My favorite times there are August to maybe February. March 2007 was incredibly dusty and looked completely different with all of the dried out trees. It sounds like you had a nice time though! Enjoyed all of your report. It's great to read such detail. It makes it easy to picture your experiences. Great fun!

shillmac

Thanks so much, Tully! You always make it amusing and give helpful info at the same time. You could be a writer, you know!

Surfexec. . . .how's it going? I hope all is well with you and yours. . would love to hear. If comfortable with catching me up, e-mail at [email protected]

surfexec

Hi Shillmac! Thanks for the note. I just sent you an e-mail.

parrmt

Tully, loved all of the report! Just back from 16 days, will try and get my report going. I told Heilyn and Francisco you sent your best! They are truly delightful! I want to bring Heilyn home to be our grandkids nanny! Love her!