Hanging Bridges, Baldi Hot Springs, La Fortuna

We started the morning at the Hanging Bridges. It was $22 per person with approximately 2 miles of trails in primary and secondary rain forest. We did see some howler monkeys, spider monkeys, and a Mot Mot bringing food back to the nest.

I think this is a Mot Mot. The coloration did not match any on the short list we had, so I am making my best guess based on the very long tail feathers.

It took us about 2.5 hours to walk the trails. We did not take any of the alternate routes available, for example down to the waterfall. When you walk down, you have to be prepared to walk back up.

When we finished we headed back to La Fortuna to do some shopping and eat lunch. One thing that caught my eye and I did not purchase was feather paintings. You know bird feathers with paintings on them. They were actually quite lovely.

Lunch was really good. So far, we have not been disappointed in our mean choices. It must be the exercise.

After lunch we headed to Baldi Hot Springs ($22 a person with a discount from our hotel, otherwise $28). We locked our cameras in a locker so no pictures here. I believe that there is 25 separate pools, each a different temperature. Our first stop was one of the cooler ones, about 94 degrees, with a waterfall and if you enjoy such things a really big slide.

We moved on up to a couple of the hotter pools. I don't remember the temps but after sitting in the hottest one for about 5 minutes you need to move on. It really drains your energy, but feels so good on aching muscles. We tried a couple of the cooler ones before we left.

Other observations:
(1) Everyone does not speak English. You know when you are planning a trip and everyone that has been there says something like "you dont' need to know any Spanish phrases because everyone speaks English", so not true. Glad I took the time to learn a few phrases and the high school Spanish started to came back too : )
(2) Diet Coke = Coca Cola Light

Butterflies

Butterflies

We saw dozens of butterflies - most went unidentified:

Cloudless Sulfur - http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg274.html

Nero Glasswing - http://www.pbase.com/markusu/image/74966916

Magnificent Owl - http://www.fotosearch.com/photos-images/owl-butterfly.html

Monarch - http://www.gpnc.org/monarch.htm

Food and Fireworks

Alan had the ever popular spaghetti. Pretty hard to screw up pasta. I on the other hand had the special: chicken with mango salsa, rice, and veggies. I thought it sounded pretty good, but the chicken was tough. Must have been left overs from the day before. The veggies however are always wonderful. So fresh.

There were a few fireworks from the volcano, but with the overcast we could not see much. Overall, we had a good day.

For some reason, breakfast is always delicious. At Observatory Lodge, bfast is included with the price of the room. I never thought that I could be so satisfied eating black beans and rice. Go figure. We woke up early again and decided to walk the waterfall trail before breakfast.

It took about an hour and was a nice walk. Some of the birds we saw along the way: tanager, hummers, and the crested guan. We also head some howler monkeys but we did not see them. And don't forget the ever present squirrels. Just can't get away from those little buggers.

Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.

We walked another trail after bfast. We crossed another hanging bridge and the lodge farm. There is another waterfall at the base of Cerro Chato (another volcano), but it is still dry. Not enough rain yet. By this time I am getting tired and hungry and it was starting to get hot. We did about 6 miles.

We saw some wildlife,

beautiful scenery,

and gorgeous flowers.

I did not take any photos of our room, but it is very nice. Personal safe for possessions, two beds, plenty of room, and a balcony with a view of the volcano. No TV tho. They do have a TV in the bar if you just have to watch the tube.