Windwalker's Mountain Post: Iguanas, and Turtles, and Sloths--Oh My

We went to sleep last night to the soft sounds of river taxis going home, the breeze, and chirping here and there. We were awakened by the screeching talk from Howler Monkeys in the trees in back of our room. By 5:15 we were on our way to the coffee station and trooping home with steaming mugs of coffee and hot milk. On the way to and from, we saw an iguana and a beautiful bird called a Montezuma Oropendola.

Back at our room the Howlers were still calling back and forth. By 8:00 we were on the river with our guide William and our boatman Pacho. Olivia was the star of the morning. She spotted everything William and Pacho pointed out way before the rest of us. She answered almost every question such as, "What is the difference between a vine and a liana?" "Vines," said Olivia, "grow up from the ground. Lianas grow down." "Excellante!" exclaimed William--and so went the morning.

We traveled slowly winding down canals and riverways. We saw three toed sloths, birds of many kinds, and white throated capuchin monkeys doing acrobatics overhead. We saw a small grebe (a kind of duck). William told us that she will carry her young on her back as they grow. When it is time to learn to fly, the mother takes short flights, babies still holding on tight. In this way the young learn about lift, flight, and where to hunt for food.

At lunch William introduced us to the owner of Tortuguero Lodge, Mike Kaye. He is a famous early developer of tourism in Costa Rica. Here they call him the god father of ecotourism. He is a most charming and gracious person. As we talked he told us he knew Nick Molle, a videographer who lives and works in Estes Park. After lunch we went to the pool at our lodge and tried out our snorkeling gear. Daric was the star here, swimming and frolicking all over in his mask and snorkel. He was really good at diving down and coming up and clearing his snorkel. We are definitely ready for that adventure.

This evening from 5-6:30 we are going on a twilight walk with William. Clad in big swamp boots, we'll see what we can see. Then dinner and off to bed...I can't wait! Here are a few pics from today's adventures...