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Central Costa R…

Central Costa Rica Trip 2011(Monteverde Cloud Forest)

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Image Number	Image (Click to Enlarge)	Caption	Image Viewed
1	We took a boat trip across the Lago Arenal to avoid taking a 2-hour around the lake. Jason drove the bus on up to Monteverde in the meantime. When we got to Rio Chiquito on the opposite shore, we were met by 2 drivers with SUVs. This was a shot of the ...	We took a boat trip across the Lago Arenal to avoid taking a 2-hour around the lake. Jason drove the bus on up to Monteverde in the meantime. When we got to Rio Chiquito on the opposite shore, we were met by 2 drivers with SUVs. This was a shot of the dirt road that we took up to Monteverde, fortunately it had been recently graded to level out the potholes! The locals don't want the roads paved to help cut down on the numbers of people going up to that area. In my severely broken Spanish, I asked our driver, Eduardo, if there were a lot of accidents on this road. He smiled and said, "Not locals, only American tourists!" We were amazed to see trucks barreling down this narrow dirt road.	1245
2	A typical Costa Rican landscape. We were fascinated by the living fences across the countrysides.	A typical Costa Rican landscape. We were fascinated by the living fences across the countrysides.	2322
3	I tried to learn a little bit of Spanish before the trip and it certainly came in handy on this day! When we passed this little school along the dirt road, I said to the driver, "¡Para, para, por favor!" (Stop, stop please!). I snapped a couple of pho...	I tried to learn a little bit of Spanish before the trip and it certainly came in handy on this day! When we passed this little school along the dirt road, I said to the driver, "¡Para, para, por favor!" (Stop, stop please!). I snapped a couple of photos and the children waved at me. I said to them, "Soy una maestra en America" (I am a teacher in America). They ran in and got their teacher, so once again I had to explain why I was taking photos of the kids and the school! I wish I had had more time to try to talk to her.	1364
4	Our driver, Eduardo, knew this "caballero" (cowboy) who we saw as we made out way up the road to Monteverde. I shot this photo quickly through the SUV window. Ticos, as Costa Ricans call themselves, are very happy and friendly people. Many of the loc...	Our driver, Eduardo, knew this "caballero" (cowboy) who we saw as we made out way up the road to Monteverde. I shot this photo quickly through the SUV window. Ticos, as Costa Ricans call themselves, are very happy and friendly people. Many of the locals in the larger towns speak English, but not so many of the people in the country do. My attempt to talk to the locals in my very limited Spanish made for some interesting moments! :) Our driver who took us to the airport teased me saying I sounded like, "Me Tarzan, you Jane!" Well, at least I tried! Trying to learn a new language made me better understand the difficulty that foreigners encounter when they come to the U.S.	1223
5	We also saw these men with a load of sugar cane along the road to Monteverde.	We also saw these men with a load of sugar cane along the road to Monteverde.	1329
6	Kohleria spicata Rio Chiquito, Costa Rica Feb. 25, 2011	Kohleria spicata Rio Chiquito, Costa Rica Feb. 25, 2011 This is a common roadside wildflower along the mountain roads. clr: 2-r	1598
7	One of the nice things about going on a photography tour was that we would stop often to take photos of landscapes, animals and birds, etc. This was a beautiful view of the Rio Chiquito valley below and the distant mountains.	One of the nice things about going on a photography tour was that we would stop often to take photos of landscapes, animals and birds, etc. This was a beautiful view of the Rio Chiquito valley below and the distant mountains.	1335
8	We shot this spectacular landscape on the drive up to Monteverde.	We shot this spectacular landscape on the drive up to Monteverde.	1373
9	Columnea scandens / Gesneriaceae Rio Chiquito, Costa Rica Feb. 25, 2011	Columnea scandens / Gesneriaceae Rio Chiquito, Costa Rica Feb. 25, 2011 This epiphyte was growing on a tree trunk above Rio Chiquito. clr: 2-r	1780
10	Our SUV driver, Eduardo, quickly learned that I like wildflowers. When I asked him to stop so I could photograph some large white orchids through the window, he got out and picked 2 of them for me. I cringed at the thought of these beautiful wildflower...	Our SUV driver, Eduardo, quickly learned that I like wildflowers. When I asked him to stop so I could photograph some large white orchids through the window, he got out and picked 2 of them for me. I cringed at the thought of these beautiful wildflowers being picked, that goes against everything I teach!!! I appreciated the gesture though. :) All I could do is smile and tell him a big "¡Muchas gracias!" when he handed them to me!	1297
11	I posed with the orchids when we made a stop at a small store. Photo by Ken Light	I posed with the orchids when we made a stop at a small store. Photo by Ken Light	1288
12	Kris and Kenny at the Hotel El Sapo Dorado (The Golden Toad) in Monteverde. Unfortunately, these beautiful toads are believed to be extinct, none have been seen over the past few years. (Photo by David Monen)	Kris and Kenny at the Hotel El Sapo Dorado (The Golden Toad) in Monteverde. Unfortunately, these beautiful toads are believed to be extinct, none have been seen over the past few years. (Photo by David Monen)	1340
13	The Hotel Sapo Dorado duplex cabin where we stayed in Monteverde. It was nice to wake to the sounds of birds and insects chirping early each morning. One morning I saw an agouti grazing in the front yard.	The Hotel Sapo Dorado duplex cabin where we stayed in Monteverde. It was nice to wake to the sounds of birds and insects chirping early each morning. One morning I saw an agouti grazing in the front yard.	1180
14	Blue-crowned Motmot "Momoto Común" Momotus momota Monteverde, Costa RicaFeb. 26, 2011	Blue-crowned Motmot "Momoto Común" Momotus momota Monteverde, Costa RicaFeb. 26, 2011 This stunning bird sat a posed on a branch at the El Sapo Dorado for a long time. We were able to get some great photos of him!	1692
15	I've never been one to photograph food, but I decided to give it a try on this trip. We had lunch at a great Italian restaurant in Monteverde, I had a delicious seafood pasta. It didn't take long to get past the squeamish thoughts of eating little squi...	I've never been one to photograph food, but I decided to give it a try on this trip. We had lunch at a great Italian restaurant in Monteverde, I had a delicious seafood pasta. It didn't take long to get past the squeamish thoughts of eating little squid and octopus tentacles to enjoy a great meal!	1211
16	One thing about visiting the tropics, it helps not to be freaked out by large insects! This huge Tarantula Hawk Wasp was on the window sill in the restaurant of the Sapo Dorado. Our guide, Willy, is an ecologist and he shared many interesting fa...	One thing about visiting the tropics, it helps not to be freaked out by large insects! This huge Tarantula Hawk Wasp was on the window sill in the restaurant of the Sapo Dorado. Our guide, Willy, is an ecologist and he shared many interesting facts about the plants and animals with us. He told us that male wasp's size depends on how big the tarantula the was that his grandmother laid his father's egg on! The larger the food source for the larva, the larger the adult will be. The male wasps gather in a lek to attract a female, she will choose the largest one as her mate (thus carrying on the healtiest genes).	1227
17	This unknown tiny white flower grew in the yard of the Sapo Dorado in Monteverde. I came across many unknown wildflowers during the trip, it will be a challenge to identify them.	This unknown tiny white flower grew in the yard of the Sapo Dorado in Monteverde. I came across many unknown wildflowers during the trip, it will be a challenge to identify them.	1250
18	Amethyst Flower Browallia americana / Tobacco family Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 27, 2011 I was delighted to find these beautiful little wildflowers growing in the yard of the Sapo Dorado. I had tried to photograph them the previo...	Amethyst Flower Browallia americana / Tobacco family Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 27, 2011 I was delighted to find these beautiful little wildflowers growing in the yard of the Sapo Dorado. I had tried to photograph them the previous day from the bus with a 300mm telephoto lens on a very bumpy road with no luck. clr: 8-v	1627
19	"Botuo de ouro" Jaegeria hirta Monteverde, Costa RicaFeb. 26, 2011	"Botuo de ouro" Jaegeria hirta Monteverde, Costa RicaFeb. 26, 2011 I found this wildflower growing in the yard of the Sapo Dorado. I love looking for weedy areas near where we stay. clr: 5-y	1522
20	We enjoyed spending over an hour in the Hummingbird garden at Selvatura.	We enjoyed spending over an hour in the Hummingbird garden at Selvatura.	1357
21	Violet Saber-wing Hummingbird "Ala de Sable Violáceo" Campylopterus hemileucurus Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 These were the largest and easiest hummingbirds to photograph at the garden. They would hover for much long...	Violet Saber-wing Hummingbird "Ala de Sable Violáceo" Campylopterus hemileucurus Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 These were the largest and easiest hummingbirds to photograph at the garden. They would hover for much longer than the other birds. See more birds on the Birds of Costa Rica gallery.	1521
22	Purple-throated Mountain-gem Hummingbird male "Colibrí Montañés Gorgimorado" Lampornis calolaema Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 "Colibrí" means hummingbird in Spanish. This little bird is well-named, when the sunlight ...	Purple-throated Mountain-gem Hummingbird male "Colibrí Montañés Gorgimorado" Lampornis calolaema Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 "Colibrí" means hummingbird in Spanish. This little bird is well-named, when the sunlight hits his head just the right way his feathers glow with brilliant hues of turquoise and amethyst.	1571
23	White-nosed Coati "Pizote" Nasua narica Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 These animals are related to the raccoon and have many of their same habits. This guy had raided a garbage can at Selvatura and was later seen scavengin...	White-nosed Coati "Pizote" Nasua narica Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 These animals are related to the raccoon and have many of their same habits. This guy had raided a garbage can at Selvatura and was later seen scavenging for crumbs near the hummingbird feeders.	1419
24	José, the guide at the Selvatura Butterfly Farm, with a butterfly that he found hanging from its chrysalis. He showed me larvae, eggs and chrysalises from different butterflies. This butterfly enclosure is one of the largest in the world.	José, the guide at the Selvatura Butterfly Farm, with a butterfly that he found hanging from its chrysalis. He showed me larvae, eggs and chrysalises from different butterflies. This butterfly enclosure is one of the largest in the world.	1223
25	We were thrilled to find this brilliant Blue Morpho Butterfly at the enclosure. It is difficult to photograph them because they usually close their wings when they land. This one had its wings open because it had just come from its chrysalis. Blue Mor...	We were thrilled to find this brilliant Blue Morpho Butterfly at the enclosure. It is difficult to photograph them because they usually close their wings when they land. This one had its wings open because it had just come from its chrysalis. Blue Morpho butterflies actually have black scales on the wings, they refract and reflect blue light.	1589
26	A Blue Morpho Butterfly looks very different with its wings closed. This one is eating liquids from an overripe banana.	A Blue Morpho Butterfly looks very different with its wings closed. This one is eating liquids from an overripe banana.	1353
27	This is a Blue Morpho Butterfly caterpillar.	This is a Blue Morpho Butterfly caterpillar.	1440
28	José placed this Tithorea tarricina Butterfly on a flower.	José placed this Tithorea tarricina Butterfly on a flower.	1263
29	Zebra Long-wing Butterfly Heliconius charitonius Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011	Zebra Long-wing Butterfly Heliconius charitonius Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011	1224
30	Passiflora costaricensis Feb. 24, 2011	Passiflora costaricensis Feb. 24, 2011 This flower was growing in the Butterfly Farm at Selvatura. It is a food source for some caterpillars. clr: 5-y	1487
31	I couldn't resist buying this interesting souvenir made from butterfly wings in a little shop in Monteverde. No butterflies were killed to get the wings, most of these insects live only a couple weeks, so these were collected from butterflies that die...	I couldn't resist buying this interesting souvenir made from butterfly wings in a little shop in Monteverde. No butterflies were killed to get the wings, most of these insects live only a couple weeks, so these were collected from butterflies that died naturally.	1691
32	The Monteverde Cloud forest is well-named! These mountains top out at around 5000 feet, so the moisture from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans condenses in the cooler air of the higher elevations. It often rains here when it just a mile or so away it is ...	The Monteverde Cloud forest is well-named! These mountains top out at around 5000 feet, so the moisture from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans condenses in the cooler air of the higher elevations. It often rains here when it just a mile or so away it is dry. The weather changes rapidly, it can go from rain to sunshine to drizzle within minutes. All this moisture makes the lush vegetation possible.	1284
33	Elaphoglossum peltatum is an interesting little epiphytic fern that grows in the cloud forest. They look a bit like skinny, little green butterflies.	Elaphoglossum peltatum is an interesting little epiphytic fern that grows in the cloud forest. They look a bit like skinny, little green butterflies.	2479
34	Tree ferns "Helechos arborescente" Sphaeropteris brunei I was excited to see these large tree ferns from the hanging bridge. The cloud forest canopy has an amazing variety of colors and patterns.	Tree ferns "Helechos arborescente" Sphaeropteris brunei I was excited to see these large tree ferns from the hanging bridge. The cloud forest canopy has an amazing variety of colors and patterns.	1553
35	One of the hanging bridges of the Selvatura Cloud forest. Taking photos from the bridges is very difficult when people walk across them, we compared it to trying to photograph from a galloping horse!	One of the hanging bridges of the Selvatura Cloud forest. Taking photos from the bridges is very difficult when people walk across them, we compared it to trying to photograph from a galloping horse!	1249
36	Begonia convallariodora Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 It was amazing to see so many different species of Begonias growing wild in the cloud forests.	Begonia convallariodora Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 It was amazing to see so many different species of Begonias growing wild in the cloud forests. clr: 1-w	2175
37	Nearly every inch of the trees in the Cloud forest have something growing on them - ferns, bromeliads, orchids, philodendrons, mosses, lichens and more.	Nearly every inch of the trees in the Cloud forest have something growing on them - ferns, bromeliads, orchids, philodendrons, mosses, lichens and more.	1296
38	This vine with the ferns, mosses and bromeliad seemed to capture the essence of the cloud forest.	This vine with the ferns, mosses and bromeliad seemed to capture the essence of the cloud forest.	1362
39	Cavendishia bracteata / Blueberry family Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 This pretty epiphyte was growing far up in the canopy of the cloud forest.	Cavendishia bracteata / Blueberry family Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 This pretty epiphyte was growing far up in the canopy of the cloud forest. clr: 3-p	1634
40	Belsleria formosa / Gesneriaceae Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 These thick, waxy orange flowers grow in the understory of the cloud forest.	Belsleria formosa / Gesneriaceae Monteverde, Costa Rica Feb. 26, 2011 These thick, waxy orange flowers grow in the understory of the cloud forest. clr: 4-o	1870

Central Costa Rica Trip 2011(Monteverde Cloud Forest)

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