Whatever Wednesday - Final Farewell

After the river cruise, we had lunch at an old hacienda.  After eating, we  had time to stroll the grounds. This big fella was hanging out in  the tree. Quite the iguana

Just some last looks at flora

Pretty colors

And Final sunset farewell to Costa Rica

I hope you've enjoyed my blog tour, and have the opportunity to visit the gorgeous friendly welcoming country of  Costa Rica

Adios, amigos
 

Finally Friday - River Cruise in Costa Rica

Nearing the end of our Costa Rica adventure.  A little river cruise

a heron of some sort

this is a line of bats sleeping.  They make it look like a snake on the tree.   Creepy!

Tough to spot the howler monkeys

Um, glad we were on the boat.  Crocodile!

Hope your nature encounters this weekend have less teeth.  

Happy May Day!
 

Finally Friday - Beach Life

looks lovely, but a red flag was whipping.  Wicked undertow lurked.

Costa Rica resort life  - very spoiled

just waiting for a mojito

sunset dinner view

We have been back from Costa Rica for a month now. But the loveliness lingers

Hard to believe it's now almost end of April. We've been backyard prepping for summer. Some new landscaping by worker bees  is awesome and our backs don't hurt. The pool is warming up.   And here in Texas,  it's been festival time. Lots of music shows, fairs, and frivolity. We have to get it in now to beat the heat.  Hope you are having a spring fling!   Enjoy.
 

Monday Moments - Costa Rica - Yes there's more

After hiking, it was time to kick up the feet poolside.  What a view!

Then, later a sunset view from our room

Peaceful

Can you hear some monkeys howling?

 Next morning, we hit the road early.  At this pitstop - a scarlet Macaw    Pretty tame and used to showing off for the tourists. 

Monday Moments - Costa Rican Miscellaneous

We had a free lunch period. Enjoyed a tasty burger and then walked the town square.  

I always like church steeple photos - dramatic sky

I'll stop for a colorful mural

Back to our  rooms and decorations adorned the beds

and we weren't on a cruise ship!

 

Finally Friday - Costa Rica - Mistic Park

Another day of adventure.  Do you like heights?  Mistic park features hanging bridges in a jungle
 

Are you tired of seeing lush greenery?

unique trees?

Ray crossing the bridge - what's on  the other side?

We lucked out with weather. The sky and clouds are fantastic

Always a volcano in the distance

Whatever Wednesday - Random Costa Rica

Never did see a sloth, so I settled for this fella as my photo op
 

Traffic jam  - Costa Rica style.  It was time to move  the cows

Fun restaurant/bar.   Basically -what happens, happens (I think)

A very tame parrot

Ray - ready for another feeding with a view.  

And shout out  today to my brother, David.  Happy Birthday!!  

Monday Moments - Costa Rica - Biological Reserve

Costa Rica has a huge biological reserve program and a lot of national parks.  We enjoyed another hike and my eyes are always drawn to the bird of paradise

Look closely under the middle frond. That's a "Jesus Lizard" - so  named because he sorta walks on  water. 

Lush greenery

 Are you ready to hike?

Whatever Wednesday - No Fooling Around in Costa Rica

Our guide, Randall, is an amazing man. This was his last tour for Odyssey and our group was very fortunate to have him.  Here we are at his own home, about two hours outside of San Jose, to see his orchid farm. Randall has over 700 species and hybrids of orchids. He's not officially a botanist, but this is his specialty and he does studies on the pollination and effects of climate change. He has certifications from the Smithsonian for his work. Scientists come from all over the world to see his garden. Absolutely fascinating

And we were treated to lunch. His mother, two  sisters, and a niece cooked an authentic Costa Rican meal of chicken & rice, beans, salad, and THE BEST TORTILLA I've eaten in my life. 

Dessert was a flan

 All that and surrounded by the beauty of orchids. 

We also had a quick walk on his property - a lush jungle of flora. 

This jaunt was a highlight of our trip - and it was only day two!

Happy April!  No foolin' 

Monday Moments - Costa Rica Butterflies

As I said, the coffee plantation itself was lovely with a garden outside the souvenir ship.  Ray's enjoying the view around the bench

Birds of paradise. I love these flowers

This tree glowed colors

I enjoyed the butterfly garden

Spooky eye