Casa Orquideas & Esquinas River
Our morning started early today, with the National Geographic Sea Lion clearing customs in a small Port called Golfito. This of course did not involve any of our guests, but what a phenomenal excuse to wake up, grab you fresh coffee mug and peek over the sundeck. Quite shortly, great conversations started among those who certainly enjoy the incomparable quietness of the ocean lit by first daylight. Soon afterwards, our ship was ready to continue our trip towards Casa Orquideas for a sensational outing!
Casa Orquideas brought excitement and admiration among our guests and staff. We were welcomed by the scarlet macaws that almost seemed happy to see us. The groups separated to cover the different areas of this magnificent well-manicured garden. Nowhere else have our guests had the opportunity to enjoy so much in such comfort. The trails are just perfect for anyone who simply likes a stroll in the park, so to speak; compared to those who are used to hiking. The garden is ideal for photography, nature contemplation and amusement. Perhaps the star of the day was a snake in the boa family known as Corallus hortulanus. This practically harmless snake was very visible for a number of our guests who stared at it in the garden. Perhaps a mere coincidence, but we had a little boy named Adam, a snake and a garden, all we were missing was Eve and the apple! By the way, the name of one of the stewards on board the National Geographic Sea Lion is Eden. Coincidence or maybe not?
Later in the afternoon, the National Geographic Sea Lion repositioned again. This time we headed for our anchorage site close to incredibly pristine mangroves near by Esquinas River. We sent the kayaks out ashore, as we got ready to invite our guests to enjoy Zodiac rides into the mysteries of hidden meanders and the gallery forest aside the river. A symphony of shore birds, moving along the Zodiacs in slow motion, represented definitively breath-taking moments of our expedition. Suddenly, from the middle of nowhere another snake appeared. This time our visitor –which was swimming across the river- was much more impressive than the boa and certainly we had to keep a safe distance from the always fearful “fer-de-lands”, or Bothros asper, perhaps the most dangerous species of snakes in Central America. Eventually, as the low tide got us out of these magic realms, kayaks and Zodiacs were forced to find their way back home. I believe we all felt a bit sad for leaving this wonderful site. However, we knew that such memories would stay in our hearts and spirits for a long time.
All too soon, as the shadows commenced to wrap up the day, all our guests made it on board just in time for cocktails and recaps. What a day!
