Farewell Costa Rica

Here we are at the Monteverde Reserve where our guide, Samuel, was desperate to spot the resplendent quetzel in its natural habitat.  After some time we found the female but it is the male with all the colourful markings so, rather frustratingly for us, we kept on looking and therefore did not venture that far into the forest.  We did make the waterfall but by now, a lot more visitors had arrived and the 'big cats' had gone to bed.

After three hours on the look-out for flora and fauna, we moved on to the hummingbird gallery where, over a small hot chocolate and bun, we observed the tiny colourful birds zipping backwards between the water feeding stations.  Apparently they flap at least 60 times a second - a bit like being back at work.

On return from our travels, we dropped off our things and headed out for a light lunch in the town, 15 minutes away.  On the way back HJ spotted the Monteverde Orchid Gardens where for $20 we had a tour and free time to take photos.  It has 400 species, with a collection of miniature ones including the smallest one in the world.  Little wonder we did not spot many in the forest.  Here though, we were provided with magnifying glasses so we could have a good look.

We just could not get past the Green Park bar so without transferring onto the Jubilee Line, we ordered a couple of well earned Cervezas and sat in the sun.  Dinner then beckoned after hot showers.

Our final full day in Costa Rica started with a long walk in the Ecological Sanctuary which adjoins our lodge's complex.  Here we came across some stunning tree formations and miradors which afforded excellent views of the Pacific Ocean.

The afternoon was spent in, what according to the sign, was a Frog Pong (rather than Pond). Here we saw 28 species of frogs and toads, many of which are characteristic to Costa Rica such as the colourful poison dart frogs and the red eyed tree frog.  We will return tonight to see them at their most active.

Tomorrow, on what will be RMs birthday, we leave for Nicaragua.