Hi, everyone - can someone tell me about the power situation at BdC? Is there enough light in the deluxe cabins to read by and enough electricity to recharge batteries for a digital camera? Also, I assume there's not enough power for a blow dryer - is that correct? Thanks for any insight you can offer.

Light to read by? In bed, yes, it's not incredibily bright but enough. Recharging batteries, enough yes, never had a problem myself. A blow-dryer, no way.

Thanks, Tully - that's a couple pounds less towards my Sansa limit then! Vacations are the only chance I get to read, so glad to know there's enough light for that.

You're welcome. I know I love to read on my vaca too, hard to find time otherwise. I found myself mostly reading during the day though, after dinner I'd usually only get thru a few pages and giggle at myself for going to bed 'so late' at 9 or so.

Yep, when the howlers wake you up at 5:30a.m., staying up until 9:00 feels like an accomplishment! Thanks again for the information. I guess the monkeys are just going to have to get used to seeing me with wet hair.

You might appreciate one of those little bright reading lights for a little extra light. Also, our batteries had to be charged at the bar. No problem. Have a great time!

And when are you going???

Thanks, Shillmac - I'll definitely look into getting one of those lights. We're going in July, so it's coming up! I used a lot of the information you and Tully provided for our first trip. Loved all your expert advice. This will be our first trip to the Osa.

I'll be there for a few days in July also. Perhaps our paths will cross!

You are going to have such a great time, make sure to post a report when you get back...nice to see/hear it from others point of view as I'm way past being partial.

Shillmac, which brand of light do you use? I've tried a couple of the ones that clip onto the book, but they didn't work very well. That's a pain because I love to read in bed.

Hi, all.

I guess I haven't looked into BdC enough since I knew it wasn't on the agenda for this trip. But I've read so much about it from the rest of you that I planned to work it in next time. I didn't realize the electrical situation was quite so "restrictive."

Now I worry that Surfertom and I will never be able to go there. He has sleep apnea and uses a C-Pap. If Jill has an issue with charging her batteries then I have my doubts that his C-Pap would work. Does anyone know anything more about this?

Thanks,
Fran

I don't have a problem with charging my batteries in the room but it could just be the different rooms. I did have to use the office a few years ago.

I would contact Leo or Kim directly about this. It is one thing to fire up a little battery but another to run a machine all night. They do have some little fans that you can use during the night so maybe you could substitute the fan for the C-Pap. Again, this is something you should ask them directly. Power is a precious commodity in that area. I hope it works out for you.

Fran I would certainly email Jose, Leo or Kim at BdC and ask them, it'd probably help if you know how much power it uses. I had no problems with my camera battery, could be just different cabins, but like Suzie said the small fans do operate, so not sure how much power would be needed.

Also, a lot of the lights are dim as they are energy savers. I have a few in my home and they took a while to get used to I admit, they also get a little brighter after a few minutes.

Suzie2 and tully,

Thanks. I'll file those names away in my "next trip to CR" file. Since I have no idea when that will be, it may be awhile before I get to put them to use.

Fran

I will definitely do a trip report when I get back. I know I love reading everyone else's - especially the ones from the experts; you guys know all the good stuff!

I meant to ask - can we bring granola bars or little snacks to keep in the cabin, or will we get visits from the local wildlife if we do that? Does BdC offer snacks for sale? I have visions of us out on a long hike and wanting something just to keep our energy up.

Are there screens on the windows of the deluxe cabins?

Yes, there are screens on all the cabinas except the garden ones, but the cabina itself is not completely airtight of course. I would think if the bars are sealed and kept inside your zipped luggage, you should be okay. Wouldn't hurt to keep the bars in a plastic baggie as well as an extra layer, and I'd throw the wrappers away in the bar or restaurant. I had a bag of resealable skittles for my sugar high and had no problems with it.

Bosque does have some snacks. There is a place to the right of the stairs where you can get coffee or tea and they usually have a jar with fresh muffins or cookies. No charge but be quick they go fast sometimes. I have had some real disasters with ants so I try to keep the snacks to peanuts or similar in tight tins or jars.

Thanks, Tully and Suzie2 - just the information we were looking for. We're really looking forward to our first time at BdC.

Just a quick update for anyone else who needs the info re: C-Pap machines and BdeC. I received a private e-mail from a gentleman named Jack who had the same concern and he forwarded the response he had received from Kim at BdeC. I've cut and pasted it below.

Fran

Hi Jack- Okay, no problem. We have 24 hour power. Yes we are run partially by solar but also by hydro (which collects power 24 hours a day), and then the power they make is stored by batteries and converted by an inverter to 110v power. The power usage of your machine won't be an issue at all. And just so you know, we have an automated switch, if the solar/hydro runs out, the backup generator will come on to charge up the batteries.

We look forward to having you stay with us!
Take care,
Kim

Hello everyone,

Myself and my fiancee will be traveling to Bosque del Cabo on our honeymoon on July 9th for 5 days. We are so excited can't wait. Has anyone ever had to get immunizations or anything travelling to Costa Rica? I know it's always better to be prepared but just curious. I travel a lot internationally and have never had problems except minor stomach discomfort. My fiancee on the other hand has only been to Cancun outside of the US.

Thanks for the great info everyone. Hopefully we may see some fodors forumers there.

Take care,

Derek Lewis