Hola. Well as the saying goes "whatever goes up, has to come down" applies to our decent from the Cloud Forest. Slip sliding our way back down, down, down from the mountainous nature reserve of Monte Verde, we are treated to spectacular vistas and stomach churning twists and turns. Down, down, down as we pull over to let oncoming traffic pass on the narrow road on their way to the summit. It has been cool in the mountains but back down, down, down to sea level, the heat hits with no apology and is unrelenting. I like the heat but the humidity is over the top and difficult to endure.
Our final destination is about 5 kilometers from Quepos or better know as Manuel Antonio National Park. We arrive after our 5 hour transfer by mini bus from Monte Verde and decide to head to the local beach for a pint and a dip. The pints are cold but the dip is HOT! I like it hot but the humidity is stifling and the water is extremely warm and not refreshing. Is this a result of global warming or just the way it is? We actually retreated to our room for the evening to let the AC do it's work.
We had an early 07:30 pickup to get to our guided tour of Manuel Antonia Park. Our naturalist guide met our small group of six on the bus for our early entry to the park. There are only 800 entries allowed per day to this very small National Park and getting an early start will allow us to see the birds and animals before the throngs arrive for the famed beaches. Our guide is very passionate and he is extremely knowledgeable of the local environment. He points out insects, birds and animals which are extremely well camouflaged and to my eye are well hidden and none existent. The naturalist works with a special set of binoculars and he is able to pick and point out the hidden residents of this world renowned park. The species which are more visible to the human eye and camera lens are the sloths, monkeys, raccoons and iguanas.
After the three hour guided walking tour it was time to relax on the secluded and very scenic beaches. There are three beaches in total and we make the decision to visit, discover and use two of them. We have brought a small picnic but have been forewarned not to keep food in our backpack as the monkeys will pick them clean. We see this a few times, as non suspecting tourists who are taking a "bath" come running out, chasing the white faced monkeys away from their belongings. As I said, the beaches are very pretty but the bathing is not refreshing. Tree shelter is essential if one is to survive the extreme sun's burning rays.
Had the best steak dinner last night, cooked on the open pit BBQ. The beef here is imported from Paraguay and the NY sirloin was the best I have ever had since visiting Iguassu Falls in Argentina. MMMMmmmm GOOD!! Pura Vida. Hasta Luego
Our final destination is about 5 kilometers from Quepos or better know as Manuel Antonio National Park. We arrive after our 5 hour transfer by mini bus from Monte Verde and decide to head to the local beach for a pint and a dip. The pints are cold but the dip is HOT! I like it hot but the humidity is stifling and the water is extremely warm and not refreshing. Is this a result of global warming or just the way it is? We actually retreated to our room for the evening to let the AC do it's work.
We had an early 07:30 pickup to get to our guided tour of Manuel Antonia Park. Our naturalist guide met our small group of six on the bus for our early entry to the park. There are only 800 entries allowed per day to this very small National Park and getting an early start will allow us to see the birds and animals before the throngs arrive for the famed beaches. Our guide is very passionate and he is extremely knowledgeable of the local environment. He points out insects, birds and animals which are extremely well camouflaged and to my eye are well hidden and none existent. The naturalist works with a special set of binoculars and he is able to pick and point out the hidden residents of this world renowned park. The species which are more visible to the human eye and camera lens are the sloths, monkeys, raccoons and iguanas.
After the three hour guided walking tour it was time to relax on the secluded and very scenic beaches. There are three beaches in total and we make the decision to visit, discover and use two of them. We have brought a small picnic but have been forewarned not to keep food in our backpack as the monkeys will pick them clean. We see this a few times, as non suspecting tourists who are taking a "bath" come running out, chasing the white faced monkeys away from their belongings. As I said, the beaches are very pretty but the bathing is not refreshing. Tree shelter is essential if one is to survive the extreme sun's burning rays.
Had the best steak dinner last night, cooked on the open pit BBQ. The beef here is imported from Paraguay and the NY sirloin was the best I have ever had since visiting Iguassu Falls in Argentina. MMMMmmmm GOOD!! Pura Vida. Hasta Luego
Ian,
ReplyDeleteTry to inquire why ocean is so warm. El Nino ?
Regardless looks like a pleasant trip so far.
;-)
Beautiful pictures! I was getting dizzy while you were walking across the bridge. It looks like you can walk on the canopies of trees. I don't think you should try that though. You sure are getting your exercise!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI got a ticket with your name on it for next Spring Break.
Delete