It´s been months. I´ve been lazy, far from internet, and preoccupied with living. The past few months have been wonderful and many adventures were had.
I have recently realized that my time in Costa Rica is coming is coming to an end (for now). It is a strange thought to think that when I leave here I will not be coming back, but I am suprising okay with this and ready to move on to new adventures.
The month of May was spent with the UGA Ecology Maymester. We travelled to La Selva Biological Station in the lowland (yes Brad, lowland) rainforest on the caribbean slope. It was suprisingly dry for May, but this didn´t seem to hinder the wildlife. We had some pretty amazing sightings including eyelash pit vipers of the yellow variety, fer de lance (dead and alive), toucans & other crazy birds thanks to Alexa, caiman, cane toads out the wazoo, mono congos (and their gonads), etc...Days spent here were hot and sweaty and wonderful. I think La Selva is my 2nd favorite place in CR. We went swimming in potentially croc infested river and made it out alive. The only casualty was one of Alexa´s beloved rubber boots. We also survived the "rapture," thank God. Research happened, papers were written, and science was learned. Our next stop was the pacific coast. Here we spent a lot of time doing tourist things like horseback riding, surfing, making ceviche, and being eaten alive by no see ums. We also kayaked through mangroves where we saw a croc and witnessed a large tree fall. It sounded louder than a gunshot as it snapped. Everyone´s head spun round as we watched it splash into the water. Luckily we were a few yards out of its range. That´s about all I have to say about that site. Our last stop was good ole San Luis. Always feels a little like home away from home. Students wrapped up projects here, and lived with homestays. I third wheeled with Alexa and Alex as we tooled around town listening to the rancheros, watching little house on the prarie, and speaking spanglish. The maymester was organized chaos, and the word organized is optional, but it was a great experience with great people.
After the maymester I hung around in San Luis working on the course book, hanging out with Alexa, and waiting for Myles and Elizabeth to arrive. We hiked to the waterfall and spent a lazy day in a nearby river picking fresh mangos and drinking Imperial. We also watched the Gold Cup as Costa Rica was knocked out early by Mexico followed by the United States. Mexico is good, really good, this year.
I met Myles and Elizabeth in San Jose and we headed straight back to the Monteverde area. Their visit included ziplining, waterfalling (quite an adventure in Montezuma), hiking in the cloud forest, watching a fer de lance strike, kill, and eat its prey (creepy), and a trip into to the Holy Grail of CR National Parks--Cabo Blanco. I think some of my favorite parts of their trip were driving through the countryside of Costa Rica. It never really gets old no matter how many times you drive through those mountains. The views are insanely breath taking, and I was in good company.
Now I am working with a group from CSUMB in San Miguel. My last group while I am here. I really like the group. We spent the first few days in San Luis cramming in stats, plant-o-ramas, and cloud forests then headed to the coast. Back home to my "familia de Costa Rica," the pacific ocean, and being fed 5 times a day the most delicious fresh breads that Luz can make.
It is the rainy season here, and let me tell you, it is rainy. The other day we had a massive raining cats, and dogs, and even larger mammals, rainstorm. It started around 4 am. Thunder and lighting included. Ever few minutes my entire room would be lit by lighting followed by thunder that would make you think there was a small earthquake taking place. This continued throughout the morning. Electricity went out. Luz cooked with fire by candle light in the kitchen. Everyone sat around in the comedor simply watching the great storm and pretending to work on other materials. You couldn´t hold a conversation without yelling over the rain on the tin roof. These are the kinds of days I love in Costa Rica. At around 10 am we went to take a look at the San Miguel river. In the dry season there is virtually no water at all to be seen, and if water is present it is crystal clear. The best way to explain the present state of the river was dirty chocolate milk, and lots of it. The creek had been transformed into a raging river. it rose to just under the bridge and you could hear large cobbles beeing tossed about at the bottom. The bridge itself was trembling under the pressuse, and every once in a while would jolt as large boulder was slammed into it. Milton took out the video camera and starting rolling footage. Where the river meets the sea was the really impressive part. It looked like someone had dumped all those galloms and gallons of chocolate milk into the ocean, and it was spreading before our eyes. You could see the surf break and instead of white foam it was dirty brown. We watched it spead out a mile in diameter at least. Everyone sighed as we watched our chances of snorkeling that week jump from slim straight to none. It was pretty cool to see. The bridge held through the storm and in the afternoon the rain slowed to a drizzle. Welcome to Costa Rica in the wet season.
Felipe pulled up on the quadracycle the other day with a large cage containing a guan tied to the back. Appearently, this bird had been harassing the residents of Cabuya and breaking into houses and gardens. The decision was made to release her in the park. The first night we kept in the cage and fed him. The following morning we released "Solidad" as she has been named. She stayed close to the kitchen and dining room for most of that day but became elusive the next. Two morning after her release I was woken up by Luz and the other cooks screaming. Solidad still doesn´t respect personal space. She was flying around the dining room, through kitchen, sitting on the stove and counters. I don´t care what species you are, you don´t sit on Luz´s kitchen counters. Dish rags were swinging and people were yelling. I was laughing. Solidad took refuge in the trees just behind the kitchen, and spent the rest of the day sulking. This was my favorite wake up call I can remember.
Currently I am in San Jose with an ear infection. Some sort of double bacterial and fungal thing. I guess it isn´t good when a worm and sand come out of your ear. Milton and the doctor´s sound effects were priceless. I am on the mend though and heading home Tuesday. At least this gave me a chance to watch the World Cup. Those PK´s were a heart breaker. Also there are lots of Crime show dramas in spanish on TV. Score. Today I went an awesome Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit with my friend Daniel and his family. Models of his sketches had been assembled and put on display. Did you know he designed the first tank?! The Vitruvian Man was my favorite. I never really took the time to see how perfect the porportions are. Humans are pretty incredible. San Jose has been a nice change of pace, but I am ready to get back to Cabo Blanco.
I guess that sums up the past few months.
So I have less then 2 weeks before I return to Georgia, pack up, and make the move across the country to Monterey. I guess I haven´t had enough of the pacific coast. The past 7 months have been nothing less then amazing. Costa Rica you did me good. Mischief Managed. I guess it isn´t goodbye quite yet, but Oh Atlanta I hear you calling.
Adios Amigos
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Sky of Blue and Sea of Green
"Here, it seemed to me, where the rocks and white stone buildings were the only solid things in a limitless bubble of blue water and blue air, one might be able to live at peace again, to recover a true vision long lost by now in the lives of other humans and in the strifes of far off countries; here one might set back the clock and re-enter Eden."
- Gavin Maxwell, Raven Seek Thy Brother
Everyone should experience a place like that once in their lives. Whether it is for an hour, a day, a month, or a year.
I could write pages of adventures and lessons learned in San Miguel over the past month or so, but instead I will keep it brief and hit a few of the highlights. I am currently in Georgia renewing my visa and clearing my illegal immigrant status. So far it has been a wonderful and unexpected trip home.
The past month in Cabo Blanco was the hottest yet, and also one of the busiest. We had several student groups come through the station, and Lane and Brad came for a visit where we drank coco loco and lounged at the beach. I also survived my first tsunami evacuation, recovered a lost student, and stood watching 3 tornados less than a mile away from my house. A day in the life. I did spend a week or so of alone time in paradise where I managed to avoid all of the ghosts and superstitions that the staff warned me about, including the black dog with red eyes and chains that attacks lonely travelers at night. What a relief.
I have had some pretty awesome wildlife sightings recently. I got up close and personal with an Olive Ridley sea turtle while snorkeling one day. I spotted him grazing on algae at the bottom of lagoon with a school of wrasses standing by to gobble up anything he stirred up with his beak. I floated above him watching for several minutes before he started swimming to the surface. To my surprise he swam right up to me and stopped just before breaking the surface. He stared right at me, and we both floated for a few moments without breaking eye contact. Then he swam slowly away, and I followed him. We swam side by side around most of the lagoon. He would swim on my right then go underneath me and come back up on my left. It was honestly one of the strangest moments I have ever experienced. After a few minutes of this he casually swam away towards the mouth of the lagoon.
Then there was the bare-throated tiger heron vs. the octopus. While snorkeling I came across a bare-throated tiger heron perched on a rock a few yards away from me. This was unusual because they normally fly away before you get this close. I was curious, so I lifted my head out of the water to investigate. What I saw was headless bird, or so I thought. I removed my mask for a closer look and realized that what I had initially thought was flesh flapping in the wind was actually an octopus leg, and that the birds head was attached and momentarily engulfed by an octopus. Literally the entire head was covered. I couldn't even see its eye. The heron was violently shaking its head in an attempt to rid itself of the octopus. After several tries the octopus was still attached. Finally, in a desperate attempt, the bird managed to shake the octopus. I saw the octopus fly in one direction and splash into the water while one octopus leg flew in the other. The bird stood dazed for a moment before crouching and flying to shore. Not to sound cheesy, but I'm pretty sure our poor little tiger heron bit off more than he could chew. Octopus : -1 leg Bare-throated tiger heron: 0. This is by far my favorite sighting.
We also had a juvenile delinquent conch. Every time I take groups snorkeling I find a live conch to show them. For anyone who doesn't know what a conch is, it is the snail that makes the large shell you can "hear the ocean" in when held to your ear. Being in a protected area allows conchs to large and numerous. I usually let the conch come out of the shell, show everyone how to sex it, and pass it around. This group had been tidepooling with Diana just before snorkeling and Charlotte, one woman's 12 year old daughter, proudly stated that Diana had just shown them a male juvenile delinquent conch in the tide pools. It took everything I had not to burst out laughing, and I couldn't correct her. Kids say the darndest things. You really have to watch out for those delinquent conchs, you never know what they'll do next.
Everyday in San Miguel is interesting and different which is why I love this job, this place, and everything it entails. Being shut off from society has its pros and its cons, but overall I think it has served me well and been a great learning experience. I can't wait to see what comes next, but while I'm in Georgia I will be enjoying good BBQ, beer, and baseball.
- Gavin Maxwell, Raven Seek Thy Brother
Everyone should experience a place like that once in their lives. Whether it is for an hour, a day, a month, or a year.
I could write pages of adventures and lessons learned in San Miguel over the past month or so, but instead I will keep it brief and hit a few of the highlights. I am currently in Georgia renewing my visa and clearing my illegal immigrant status. So far it has been a wonderful and unexpected trip home.
The past month in Cabo Blanco was the hottest yet, and also one of the busiest. We had several student groups come through the station, and Lane and Brad came for a visit where we drank coco loco and lounged at the beach. I also survived my first tsunami evacuation, recovered a lost student, and stood watching 3 tornados less than a mile away from my house. A day in the life. I did spend a week or so of alone time in paradise where I managed to avoid all of the ghosts and superstitions that the staff warned me about, including the black dog with red eyes and chains that attacks lonely travelers at night. What a relief.
I have had some pretty awesome wildlife sightings recently. I got up close and personal with an Olive Ridley sea turtle while snorkeling one day. I spotted him grazing on algae at the bottom of lagoon with a school of wrasses standing by to gobble up anything he stirred up with his beak. I floated above him watching for several minutes before he started swimming to the surface. To my surprise he swam right up to me and stopped just before breaking the surface. He stared right at me, and we both floated for a few moments without breaking eye contact. Then he swam slowly away, and I followed him. We swam side by side around most of the lagoon. He would swim on my right then go underneath me and come back up on my left. It was honestly one of the strangest moments I have ever experienced. After a few minutes of this he casually swam away towards the mouth of the lagoon.
Then there was the bare-throated tiger heron vs. the octopus. While snorkeling I came across a bare-throated tiger heron perched on a rock a few yards away from me. This was unusual because they normally fly away before you get this close. I was curious, so I lifted my head out of the water to investigate. What I saw was headless bird, or so I thought. I removed my mask for a closer look and realized that what I had initially thought was flesh flapping in the wind was actually an octopus leg, and that the birds head was attached and momentarily engulfed by an octopus. Literally the entire head was covered. I couldn't even see its eye. The heron was violently shaking its head in an attempt to rid itself of the octopus. After several tries the octopus was still attached. Finally, in a desperate attempt, the bird managed to shake the octopus. I saw the octopus fly in one direction and splash into the water while one octopus leg flew in the other. The bird stood dazed for a moment before crouching and flying to shore. Not to sound cheesy, but I'm pretty sure our poor little tiger heron bit off more than he could chew. Octopus : -1 leg Bare-throated tiger heron: 0. This is by far my favorite sighting.
We also had a juvenile delinquent conch. Every time I take groups snorkeling I find a live conch to show them. For anyone who doesn't know what a conch is, it is the snail that makes the large shell you can "hear the ocean" in when held to your ear. Being in a protected area allows conchs to large and numerous. I usually let the conch come out of the shell, show everyone how to sex it, and pass it around. This group had been tidepooling with Diana just before snorkeling and Charlotte, one woman's 12 year old daughter, proudly stated that Diana had just shown them a male juvenile delinquent conch in the tide pools. It took everything I had not to burst out laughing, and I couldn't correct her. Kids say the darndest things. You really have to watch out for those delinquent conchs, you never know what they'll do next.
Everyday in San Miguel is interesting and different which is why I love this job, this place, and everything it entails. Being shut off from society has its pros and its cons, but overall I think it has served me well and been a great learning experience. I can't wait to see what comes next, but while I'm in Georgia I will be enjoying good BBQ, beer, and baseball.
Sunset in the mountains near San Luis
Montezuma
Monday, February 21, 2011
The Sabertooth Blenny
"I venture the theory, in short, that adventure lies in the man himself and not in the happening."
- White Waters and Black
I liked that quote. Now I will share an exerpt from my journal on one of my favorite fishes.
20-2-2011
My luck continues. Today I saw a scorpion fish, triggerfish, several types of rare damsel fishes, and then some. Today was the lowest tide to date here, and I reaped its benefits. I was also able to see the deceptive sabertooth blenny feed. What a treat. I shall describe the scene.
I came upon a cleaning station where a large chub idled allowing small wrasses to pluck annoying isopods from beneath its scales. A wonderful symbiotic relationship where larger fish, such as said chub, are rid of their pesky parasites, and the the cleaners are provided with an excellent meal. At this point I spy the stealthy sabertooth blenny. He is amongst the rainbow wrasses posing as a cleaner and biding his time. He blends in quite well with the rainbow wrasse, but his movement and slightly different coloring give him away. My coastal bible here, Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific, says these fish can be identified easiest by "a very large recurved canine on eah side of the lower jaw." Hence the name sabertooth blenny I suppose.
The wrasses continue to clean the unknowing chub while our dear blenny lies in wait. Then, out of nowhere, he strikes. Going in for a supposed isopod he lunges forward just like a wrasse. Rather than removing a pest he opens his mouth and bites off a large chunk of flesh and scales. Mission accomplished. The chub looks stuned for no more than a moment then swims off disgruntled. I suppose he was feeling ashamed and silly for being duped by the tiny sabertooth blenny that reaches no more than 10 cm. That is to say that fish have the capacity to feel shame which I highly doubt. Regardless the rainbow wrasses were out of isopods, and a chub was missing a few scales. Deceptively cunning little fellow the sabertooth blenny and fearless to boot. They are said to have a bite at divers who aggravate them--although I have never been bitten, and I have done my fair share of aggravating the sabertooth blenny.
Photo of sabertooth blenny
- White Waters and Black
I liked that quote. Now I will share an exerpt from my journal on one of my favorite fishes.
20-2-2011
My luck continues. Today I saw a scorpion fish, triggerfish, several types of rare damsel fishes, and then some. Today was the lowest tide to date here, and I reaped its benefits. I was also able to see the deceptive sabertooth blenny feed. What a treat. I shall describe the scene.
I came upon a cleaning station where a large chub idled allowing small wrasses to pluck annoying isopods from beneath its scales. A wonderful symbiotic relationship where larger fish, such as said chub, are rid of their pesky parasites, and the the cleaners are provided with an excellent meal. At this point I spy the stealthy sabertooth blenny. He is amongst the rainbow wrasses posing as a cleaner and biding his time. He blends in quite well with the rainbow wrasse, but his movement and slightly different coloring give him away. My coastal bible here, Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific, says these fish can be identified easiest by "a very large recurved canine on eah side of the lower jaw." Hence the name sabertooth blenny I suppose.
The wrasses continue to clean the unknowing chub while our dear blenny lies in wait. Then, out of nowhere, he strikes. Going in for a supposed isopod he lunges forward just like a wrasse. Rather than removing a pest he opens his mouth and bites off a large chunk of flesh and scales. Mission accomplished. The chub looks stuned for no more than a moment then swims off disgruntled. I suppose he was feeling ashamed and silly for being duped by the tiny sabertooth blenny that reaches no more than 10 cm. That is to say that fish have the capacity to feel shame which I highly doubt. Regardless the rainbow wrasses were out of isopods, and a chub was missing a few scales. Deceptively cunning little fellow the sabertooth blenny and fearless to boot. They are said to have a bite at divers who aggravate them--although I have never been bitten, and I have done my fair share of aggravating the sabertooth blenny.
Photo of sabertooth blenny
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Suppose it's time for an update. Where to begin...
Right now I am in an internet cafe drinking a cold Imperial typing lab inventory.
Cathy and Jim left a few days ago, and I was sad to see them go. While they were here we had a great time tooling around the country. We started out in Malpais near the park where we rode horses through the mountains and on the beach (stopping at the house for a beer and a break by the pool). Then we headed to Arenal for a night where we hiked around the volcano and went to mass at the base of the volcano with a congregation dressed in white. The hotel in Arenal was beautiful, and we had a great view of the volcano. The clouds actually completely cleared from the volcano for a brief period of time lending an amazing veiw of the smoking top of Arenal at sunset. Next was Monteverde where Cathy and Jim bravely conquered the ziplines, but opted out of the Tarzan swing. We also visited both of my old host families in the San Luis valley. We drank fresh coffe and ate the tastiest tamales ever at Oldemar's house and watched a smashing sunset at William's. It was a great trip and we only had one close encounter with the central american grizzly bear. (Cathy and Jim--Javier's daughter is doing well, and Javiers form of transportation is a lovely light pink bike.)
The dry season is officially in full swing here, and the temperatures are rising daily. Let me paint a picture of CR, on the coast, in the dry season. The unpaved roads are dustier than you can imagine. People driving quadracycles and motorcycles look like bandits with their hats and sunglasses on and a bandana tied around nose and mouth for protection against the dust. Plants line the roads to protect houses from the dust, and as a result the plants are all covered in a greyish film of dust. Fancy hotels and restaurants spray off their plants periodically and wet down the road to prevent dust. Oh Costa Rica how I love thee.
Since my return to the park after Cathy and Jim left there hasn't been too much going on. Four students from the Universidad de Costa Rica came for a few days because they are friends with Luz, one of the cooks. I had great time with them. It is funny how some things are unchanging despite cultural differences. One example being circle of death. The card meanings may change slightly and the name may be a little different, but the gist of game itself is the same. College students around the world love (or hate) a good game of circle of death, and that's all I have to say about that. The UCR kids returned to San Jose and offered me a place to stay if I ever find myself in San Jose. On their last night we purchased fresh pargo from the pescadaria just outside the park, and feasted on some delicious fried fish. Also in the park now are a group of volunteers from the UK and a tico named Jamie (pronounced High - mee). They are rebuilding the boat house and mending the bridge that was taken out during the rainy season.
I am passing my time helping the volunteers, doing lab inventory and bits of research in the ocean. Milton has also recently convinced me to teach myself calculus....we all know how amazing I am at math. He is bringing me books on their next trip to Cabo Blanco. I also read. A lot. Any book suggestions are more than welcome. Anyone who is interested in fishes and likes to read, I highly suggest Probably More Than You Want to Know About the Fishes of the Pacific Coast by Milton Love.
That's all for now folks.
Right now I am in an internet cafe drinking a cold Imperial typing lab inventory.
Cathy and Jim left a few days ago, and I was sad to see them go. While they were here we had a great time tooling around the country. We started out in Malpais near the park where we rode horses through the mountains and on the beach (stopping at the house for a beer and a break by the pool). Then we headed to Arenal for a night where we hiked around the volcano and went to mass at the base of the volcano with a congregation dressed in white. The hotel in Arenal was beautiful, and we had a great view of the volcano. The clouds actually completely cleared from the volcano for a brief period of time lending an amazing veiw of the smoking top of Arenal at sunset. Next was Monteverde where Cathy and Jim bravely conquered the ziplines, but opted out of the Tarzan swing. We also visited both of my old host families in the San Luis valley. We drank fresh coffe and ate the tastiest tamales ever at Oldemar's house and watched a smashing sunset at William's. It was a great trip and we only had one close encounter with the central american grizzly bear. (Cathy and Jim--Javier's daughter is doing well, and Javiers form of transportation is a lovely light pink bike.)
The dry season is officially in full swing here, and the temperatures are rising daily. Let me paint a picture of CR, on the coast, in the dry season. The unpaved roads are dustier than you can imagine. People driving quadracycles and motorcycles look like bandits with their hats and sunglasses on and a bandana tied around nose and mouth for protection against the dust. Plants line the roads to protect houses from the dust, and as a result the plants are all covered in a greyish film of dust. Fancy hotels and restaurants spray off their plants periodically and wet down the road to prevent dust. Oh Costa Rica how I love thee.
Since my return to the park after Cathy and Jim left there hasn't been too much going on. Four students from the Universidad de Costa Rica came for a few days because they are friends with Luz, one of the cooks. I had great time with them. It is funny how some things are unchanging despite cultural differences. One example being circle of death. The card meanings may change slightly and the name may be a little different, but the gist of game itself is the same. College students around the world love (or hate) a good game of circle of death, and that's all I have to say about that. The UCR kids returned to San Jose and offered me a place to stay if I ever find myself in San Jose. On their last night we purchased fresh pargo from the pescadaria just outside the park, and feasted on some delicious fried fish. Also in the park now are a group of volunteers from the UK and a tico named Jamie (pronounced High - mee). They are rebuilding the boat house and mending the bridge that was taken out during the rainy season.
I am passing my time helping the volunteers, doing lab inventory and bits of research in the ocean. Milton has also recently convinced me to teach myself calculus....we all know how amazing I am at math. He is bringing me books on their next trip to Cabo Blanco. I also read. A lot. Any book suggestions are more than welcome. Anyone who is interested in fishes and likes to read, I highly suggest Probably More Than You Want to Know About the Fishes of the Pacific Coast by Milton Love.
That's all for now folks.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
1 Month Down
I guess I've lasted month on the Rich Coast and I'm pretty sure I can handle 5 more months in paradise. You don't have to twist my arm. Things are going great.
Five ticos from San Luis came down to dig a new septic tank. I already knew Jocksan from previous trips and the other 4 were fast friends. They enjoyed mimicking Miltons slow incorrect Spanish and were thoroughly entertaining. Pilipe let them drive the quadracycle so I got to tear around the park in tow which was awesome. When the septic tank was finished Pilipe gave us a fiesta with fresh ceviche and imperial. Shortly after the fiesta we headed out to walk around the peninsula to the Cabuya side of the park. 5 ticos and a gringa how hard could it be? The walk was supposed to take 3 hours of harsh walking on reef rock, we did it in 2.5 and went the long way. We ran on the beach stretches and walked so fast my calves burned across the reef. When we reached playa cabo blanco everyone realized we had no idea the correct way to go, and no one had given us directions. We picked a trail and started walking. In reality we were a few meters from the station if we had continued on the beach. We hiked through the forest for another hour or so before we reached the other park station completely drenched in sweat. We were immediately served fresh passion fruit juice and crackers. Efrain, another park guard, was at the station with, as he explained later, his mistress and love child.
This side of the park is open to tourists and has a few more amenities then my side, one being a TV. We watched a Manchester United game as we ate dinner. The next day the boys left to head back to San Luis and Pilo drove me back the entrance of my side of the park, but not before we all planned a trip to San Jose to watch a Saprissa soccer game.
As i type this I am sitting on the deck of a beautiful house on the side of hill overlooking the pacific ocean with Cathy and Jim. They are here for ten days and we are currently staying in this awesome house just outside of the park. It has an infinity pool which is where we watched another breathtaking sunset last while chatting with Javier, the grounds keeper.I am so excited Cathy and Jim are here! Today we are hiking into the park and I will show them around and take them snorkeling. They have seen iguanas, parrots, cows and horses, but jim keeps asking "where dat monkey?!" ha. Im hoping we see some monos in the park today.
Five ticos from San Luis came down to dig a new septic tank. I already knew Jocksan from previous trips and the other 4 were fast friends. They enjoyed mimicking Miltons slow incorrect Spanish and were thoroughly entertaining. Pilipe let them drive the quadracycle so I got to tear around the park in tow which was awesome. When the septic tank was finished Pilipe gave us a fiesta with fresh ceviche and imperial. Shortly after the fiesta we headed out to walk around the peninsula to the Cabuya side of the park. 5 ticos and a gringa how hard could it be? The walk was supposed to take 3 hours of harsh walking on reef rock, we did it in 2.5 and went the long way. We ran on the beach stretches and walked so fast my calves burned across the reef. When we reached playa cabo blanco everyone realized we had no idea the correct way to go, and no one had given us directions. We picked a trail and started walking. In reality we were a few meters from the station if we had continued on the beach. We hiked through the forest for another hour or so before we reached the other park station completely drenched in sweat. We were immediately served fresh passion fruit juice and crackers. Efrain, another park guard, was at the station with, as he explained later, his mistress and love child.
This side of the park is open to tourists and has a few more amenities then my side, one being a TV. We watched a Manchester United game as we ate dinner. The next day the boys left to head back to San Luis and Pilo drove me back the entrance of my side of the park, but not before we all planned a trip to San Jose to watch a Saprissa soccer game.
As i type this I am sitting on the deck of a beautiful house on the side of hill overlooking the pacific ocean with Cathy and Jim. They are here for ten days and we are currently staying in this awesome house just outside of the park. It has an infinity pool which is where we watched another breathtaking sunset last while chatting with Javier, the grounds keeper.I am so excited Cathy and Jim are here! Today we are hiking into the park and I will show them around and take them snorkeling. They have seen iguanas, parrots, cows and horses, but jim keeps asking "where dat monkey?!" ha. Im hoping we see some monos in the park today.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Snorkeling this morning was great! I saw several fish I had never seen before and swam the length of the lagoon with a massive sea turtle. I also managed to slice my knee on a rock. Comes with the territory on a turbidite rock reef. The cut isn´t too bad, and I would like to inform anyone reading this that decolorized iodine is actually 50% alcohol. Read the label before dousing an injury with it. I think it hurt worse than the initial cut. Just wanted to warn everyone who may be reading this and want to use decolorized iodide.
While walking on the trail with several other students and Markwainright we ran into a troupe of white faced cappuchins. One was on a branch just overhead and not happy at the fact we were so close. We went to backup to give him more space but found there was another angry monkey behind us. We were trapped in the middle. No one was concerned at this point. Then the first monkey began screaming at us and shaking the brach. He then lept off the brach and charged us. Just before reaching us he ran into the woods. It definitely got my adrenalin flowing.
Also there is a family of kuwati that constantly forage near the kitchen in hopes of finding left overs. There is one female, one male, and 3 babies. So adorable. For anyone who doesnt know what kuwati are, they are closely related to racoons and much cuter. There is also a lone male who puches his luck and sometimes has to be chased out of the casona. I entered the kitchen to do dishes the other day, and everything was in order: both doors securely closed and the screen pulled down and locked to prevent kuwati and racoon breakins. Much to my suprise the organic food bin flipped over and out poured a terrified kuwati along with fruit rinds and coffe grounds. He ran into a corner and I chased him out with a broom. The thing had pulled apart the wood door with his tiny hands and pushed his way in! I found it amusing. Philpe, the park gaurd, did not because he had to fix the door.
Well I am out of stories and internet time. Plus I want to see the sunset. You can see the green flash here! It is insane. The stars are also AMAZING! I thought Cathy and Jim had good star gazing, but it pales in comparison. There is zero light pollution, and Jupiter shines so bright it reflects in tidepools. Beautiful.
Ciao
While walking on the trail with several other students and Markwainright we ran into a troupe of white faced cappuchins. One was on a branch just overhead and not happy at the fact we were so close. We went to backup to give him more space but found there was another angry monkey behind us. We were trapped in the middle. No one was concerned at this point. Then the first monkey began screaming at us and shaking the brach. He then lept off the brach and charged us. Just before reaching us he ran into the woods. It definitely got my adrenalin flowing.
Also there is a family of kuwati that constantly forage near the kitchen in hopes of finding left overs. There is one female, one male, and 3 babies. So adorable. For anyone who doesnt know what kuwati are, they are closely related to racoons and much cuter. There is also a lone male who puches his luck and sometimes has to be chased out of the casona. I entered the kitchen to do dishes the other day, and everything was in order: both doors securely closed and the screen pulled down and locked to prevent kuwati and racoon breakins. Much to my suprise the organic food bin flipped over and out poured a terrified kuwati along with fruit rinds and coffe grounds. He ran into a corner and I chased him out with a broom. The thing had pulled apart the wood door with his tiny hands and pushed his way in! I found it amusing. Philpe, the park gaurd, did not because he had to fix the door.
Well I am out of stories and internet time. Plus I want to see the sunset. You can see the green flash here! It is insane. The stars are also AMAZING! I thought Cathy and Jim had good star gazing, but it pales in comparison. There is zero light pollution, and Jupiter shines so bright it reflects in tidepools. Beautiful.
Ciao
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