These questions seem quite superficial in light of the terrible quake--we were in the process of emailing with Xandari when it happened and know that all is well there, at least.
Anyway, have a couple of questions about Osa--are staying at Iguana and BDC, leaving the 21st. Do people (females) generally dress, even casually, ie a skirt, for dinner rather than just wearing hiking shorts etc? Trying to get a fix on what to bring. Also, how much bug spray to bring? And, is it worth renting a car, for one day, while at Iguana to explore around Puerto Jimenez or drive ourselves to a tour?? And lastly, hubbie wants any info on rooster fishing this time of year at Iguana area?
Thank you,
Joan

Anything goes in terms of clothing - you don't need anything fancy. If you want to wear a casual skirt, that would be fine. I just wore capri pants or casual slacks. Shorts would be completely okay too. We were happy just not to be completely sweaty and stinky. It's nice to take a bath/shower before dinner and put on something clean because you'll get hot and sweaty during the day. I'm pretty girly in real life, but at BdC I gave up wearing makeup. You can't use a blow dryer so I had wet hair most of our trip too. Also I had problems with my contacts, so if you wear them I'd bring glasses as a backup. I never wear my glasses in real life, but I was glad I had them there.

For bug spray, we each had a little spray bottle that we got at REI. It was enough to last us the trip.

BdC will drive you to town for a fee. We never got a car; most people don't.

I wore sundress a couple of times but usually shorts. Capris and long pants are too hot for me there and I only take one pair for plane and horseback. Mosquitoes vary with time of year. I've used loads to very little. For the two of us on the first 17 day trip we went through a couple bottles! The 30% DEET wipes are good if you don't want to count as liquid. Hair in pony and no make-up.

I liked to change for dinner, because like others have said you get sweaty during the day. But a casual skirt or just clean shorts will be fine. We didnt' use any bug spray the entire trip and were fine. Don't forget to pack shampoo/ conditioner. They won't have any there.

Agree with the others - pretty much anything goes but there definitely is no need to dress up, a shower prior and some clean clothes always feel good though. Everyone there is pretty much in the same boat (having to fly down and having light luggage).

I would just bring a normal sized bottle of bug spray. Not only does it vary from season to season but also from person to person, they just love to bite some more than others.

I wouldn't rent a car IMO from Iguana just as it's not all that far from PJ, you'd be better off just taking a taxi or even bicycling which I believe shillmac did last visit.

joan, my husband and I will be at BDC 2/23-29th. Perhaps we'll see you there!

Yes, the magnitude of the earthquake tragedy (no pun intended) is indeed hard to wrap one's mind around. We were supposed to go on a Highlights tour to the area. Especially sad is the loss of life.

I agree - no need at all to dress up. On a previous trip, to the Corcovado area, we were happy just to be clean. Hiking, perhaps a swim, drink and a shower, clean clothes and dinner - that's our itinerary! Bring quick-dry material - nothing dries!

Question for all but shillmac, who never seems to get wet Ha! : How much rain can we expect in late-Febuary?

May-November is rainy season for the Osa. I wouldn't expect much in February. We went in July, and expected to get some, but we didn't get a drop. You never know.

Okay, cat. . .now I HAVE TOO gotten wet. . just not for days at a time. Must be livin' right! LOL!

Ooooh. . .I shouldn't have said that. . we'll probably be in a downpour for 4 weeks this summer!

By the way. . thanks for the pkg. So DARLING! Your handiwork on the sweater? Wow! Isa was thrilled! Especially since she was visiting and got to open her pkg and little sister's as well!

joan. . .Last year I took along a short skirt. . .quik dri. It was a sport skirt, actually. Something like that works great at BdC (although not necessary). . you can wear your tops with it. I try to throw in one pair of shorts that aren't hiking shorts.

As for Iguana Lodge, no, I don't think you'll need a rental. The taxi's work great. Or the hotel staff can run you in for $10 each way. We are car people, but felt no need at all while staying there.

cattail. . what wrong with you? There is no Feb. 29 this year!

Thank you for all of the great advice and banter--it is always fun. And thanks for info re bringing shampoo, etc--hadn't thought too much about that.
Joan