Día 7 - domingo, el 15 de enero:

(about 8:00 in the morning):  We are experiencing true rain forest weather--rain!  We were very fortunate to have such sunny, dry weather the first few days.  This is a little more of a reality check, I think.  But, to quote Mrs. Webb, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only insufficient gear.”  So, it’s a little chilly and very wet.  We weren’t able to spot any toucans on our little outing this morning, most likely because they come out when it’s sunny & warm.  Oh, well.  At least we tried.

(about 9:00 pm):  Well, we have gone full circle today weather-wise.  What was rainy and chilly this morning has turned into humid Pacific heat.  We had a big day of travel from the Arenal area to the Pacific Coast, to the Manuel Antonio area.  Along the way we stopped for several small outings: El Cocuro hummingbird and butterfly house in the Monteverde cloud forest, a short hike in the Monteverde cloud forest, stopped for lunch at a little restaurant, stopped along a bridge to see some crocodiles (we saw 25 of them!), then pulled off the road because Jimmy spotted some Scarlet Macaws.  Every time we got off the temperature was a little warmer, which was great.  I think we were all excited to see blue skies and sunshine!

The blue Morpho butterfly

"El espejitos" butterfly (clear-winged butterfly)

Near the Continental Divide, a perfect view of the cloud forests of the Caribbean side transitioning to the clear blue skies of the Pacific side.

Living fences, one of the many environmentally-friendly common practices of Costa Rica.

Mikayla & Kayla in front of un carrito, one of the traditional Costa Rican ox carts.

Costa Rican crocodiles!

A perfect view of a Scarlet Macaw

We got to the hotel, got settled, and some of us went for a swim in the pool, which felt fabulous in this hot, humid weather.  Then we ate supper across the street at “El avión”, which is open-air and right on the Pacific Ocean.  (Except we couldn’t see the ocean because it was dark already.  We’re going to try to catch the sunset there tomorrow night.)  Pretty soon it’ll be time to do room checks and then to hit the sack!  I’m tired and I’m sure I’ll sleep well.

¡Hasta mañana!