I am back !!! Better than expected...if possible
 

Back from 17 days of sheer joy, my face muscles were sore from the continued smile on my face. I won't mention my sore leg muscles and swollen rt knee from all of the treks , .....worth every step.

Monteverde, amazing. First bird seen- male resplendent quetzal in all of his glory.
Second bird seen...3 wattled bell bird, from a distance and thru the scope and binocs, but he was a beauty.
Last birds seen...male, female and juvenile quetzals!! With fotos to prove it.

San Luis waterfall...no one but us the entire time, so spectacular, like out of Jurassic Park.

Arenal, also amazing. Clear in all of it's glory. I truly did not sleep the 3 nights we were at the AOLodge, sat on our patio and lava gazed and star gazed. We loved Arenal. Great birding! I have added over 30 birds to my list.

We loved driving, next year hubby says we are driving to the Osa. :)

Spent an unusual night at Iguana Lodge, loved it, but a tale to tell!

BdC as always wonderful. Was lucky enough to spend time in Cabina Sol and Mariposa, how lucky is that?
Monkeys everywhere, all 4 types just about daily. Aracaris, toucans, just great as always. Felt like family being warmly welcomed as the staff does remember you.
I tried to see the puma, walking the titi daily..honest. But alas he is saving himself for the GTG in a few weeks. There were some wonderful people at BdC this trip, it made for some great dinners. The staff is excited about the group arriving.
I am weeding thru over 1800 pics , give me some time and I will get a trip report out soon.

Sure wish I could head back for the GTG, but since we are still missing luggage, yep, no luggage yet! Can you imagine the smell? hahaha
And my cell phone is in Miami customs somewhere, they have it, but never answer the phone number they gave me when I call. Oh well, at least we are home and it was beyond great!

I love your enthusiasm! It sounds like you had a fabulous time. So glad you got to see both the quetzals and the bellbird at MV - so did we, just amazing. I love Monteverde, have to get back there someday. If only they had something like Eco-Termales!

Looking forward to all your photos - 1800 - yikes, that's a lot of editing to do...:-)

Yea! Your enthusiasm is coming through "the line"! 1800? Wow--you outdid me. Great little camera, no? :D

Anxious to hear about Iguana Lodge. Love a good story.

Wow--what bird sightings. I'm ready to get back to Monteverde--Pat gave a really good rec for Arco Iris Lodge yesterday on the board.

I have an idea--life is short. $100 from now, you won't miss the $$--as soon as you get your luggage de-odorized, why don't you pack it back up and spring for the GTG! We are up to about 9 or 10, I think. Lost costaricalover yesterday to Cuba. Those lucky Canadians!

Just can't keep from calling in that customs area, huh? I have been chastised SO many times. Who can remember that? Can't believe they actually nabbed your phone! Guess I've been lucky.

Okay. . .get to work on those photos. We are off on Thursday. Hope to see them soon! I'll be checking all along the way.

Welcome home!

What a wonderful trip! Welcome home! Can't wait to see all the pics!

parrmt -- Welcome back! Lovin' the sore face muscles. I'll be having those soon... :-) Yes, looking forward to your unusual night story. Hope you have your pics posted soon, looking forward to them! Sorry to hear about the luggage, hopefully no great things you purchased while away.

Welcome home, wow shillmac is going to have put her camera thru it's paces to catch up to you. 1800, wow, but then again it's so easy isn't it?

Can't wait to hear & see all about it. Trust me we're all just as excited to see the staff as well, I'm so glad gerly is back!

Maybe your luggage accidently got sent back to Bosque and ...you should go get it? :D

So glad to hear you had such a great trip! Jealous that you got clear lava viewing! Hope to hear more details, soon. And can't wait to see pictures!

Congratulations on conquering the Quetzal! Hope you are a fast editor-could use a mid week CR pick-me-up!!!

Welcome back! It was wonderful to meet you at BdC! (I was there with my mom.) Thank you for the camera tips and the book recommendations! I am still working on my trip report and weeding out my pics. Glad to hear you enjoyed the rest of your trip! Hope you get your luggage back soon.
-Melissa