big tree

Today we went for a drive down a very scary road and then went for a hike. Saw howler monkeys and white-faced capuchins–very cool.  We also saw some pretty amazing trees, including this one, which is a type of fig tree.
December 23 2010

hermie

we took a short ride down to the beach today, and I spotted a very tiny shell moving down the beach in a rather deliberate way. I picked it up and promptly got some tiny little pinches. I put it back down and he hid for a moment before scurrying away. This little guy was probably about the size of my pinkie fingernail.
December 22 2010

hummingbird morning

This morning after breakfast I sat and watched the hummingbirds, which I am completely enchanted by. We counted 5 or 6 different types just in the garden at Savegre Lodge. This picture is not as stunning as the sort Doug would take, but that just goes to show how easy it was to get in close to them for a picture.
December 21 2010

ribbit

We went to this place near San Jose today that had, among other things, a little frog enclosure. I was told that there were around 60 individual frogs in there, but they were hard to spot. Many were on the underside of leaves, like this fellow.
December 19 2010
My dad loves frogs; he would love this place.

plants

There is a short trail behind our hotel. It is mainly surrounded by coffee plants, but there are plenty of beautiful tropical varieties as well. Doug spotted a couple that we recognize as popular houseplants. I don’t know what this one is, but it sure is bright. If this is what we can find here on the outskirts of San Jose, the jungle is going to be outstanding.
December 18 2010

Merry Chr….AHHH! MY EYES!!!

There are so many things with these decorations, and the camera doesn’t even capture them all. First of all, the geese. Why are there only four (there are two off-camera)? If you’re going to include geese as part of your Christmas look, shouldn’t you at least have the requisite six? Also, the lights are actually flashing on and off in no apparent order or rhythm. That said, the pattern of the flashing becomes horrifyingly clear when you get out of your car and stand in front of this monstrosity; it’s in time to the music that’s playing.
December 15 2010