Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
As the morning light appeared we were steaming into the quiet port of Golfito where the local Immigration officials checked us into the country. Wisps of clouds laced the forested hills around the harbor. During breakfast we departed, and headed out across the Golfo Dulce to an area known as Rincon along the western shores of the gulf. Here we set out—some by foot, others by Zodiac or kayak to view the region. The hikers found beautiful flowers, butterflies, birds, and some white-faced capuchin monkeys. The kayakers paddled peacefully along the fringes of twining mangrove trees and their tangles of prop roots. The Zodiac cruisers wound their way up winding river channels to find some interesting birds like northern jacanas, white ibis, and roseate spoonbills. There were also sightings of “Jesus Christ lizards” and their incredible skill of running across the water on their hind feet. Back on the ship, many paused to take a swim in the warm waters of the gulf, rinsing off the heat of the tropical sun.
In the afternoon, the ship repositioned back across the Gulf. Rikki Swenson gave us an inspirational presentation with many ideas of new ways to creatively share our photos. As the day cooled, we ventured ashore at a lovely spot called Casa Orquideas, the home and planted gardens of Ron and Trudy McAllister. This couple has been living along the shores of the Golfo Dulce for over 25 years. They have planted and raised hundreds of flowering and fruiting plants in the extensive gardens surrounding their home. They welcomed us ashore, and let us wander the grounds admiring the flowers and birdlife that is abundant here. A highlight was sighting chestnut-mandibled toucans that were frequenting the larger trees, and calling from the nearby forest. When it was nearly time to return to the ship, an enormous rainstorm arrived and drenched the land and many of us who had chosen to linger onshore with our hosts. Back onboard, and dried off, we were treated to a traditional Costa Rican buffet dinner, followed by lively Salsa dancing and lessons in the lounge.
As the morning light appeared we were steaming into the quiet port of Golfito where the local Immigration officials checked us into the country. Wisps of clouds laced the forested hills around the harbor. During breakfast we departed, and headed out across the Golfo Dulce to an area known as Rincon along the western shores of the gulf. Here we set out—some by foot, others by Zodiac or kayak to view the region. The hikers found beautiful flowers, butterflies, birds, and some white-faced capuchin monkeys. The kayakers paddled peacefully along the fringes of twining mangrove trees and their tangles of prop roots. The Zodiac cruisers wound their way up winding river channels to find some interesting birds like northern jacanas, white ibis, and roseate spoonbills. There were also sightings of “Jesus Christ lizards” and their incredible skill of running across the water on their hind feet. Back on the ship, many paused to take a swim in the warm waters of the gulf, rinsing off the heat of the tropical sun.
In the afternoon, the ship repositioned back across the Gulf. Rikki Swenson gave us an inspirational presentation with many ideas of new ways to creatively share our photos. As the day cooled, we ventured ashore at a lovely spot called Casa Orquideas, the home and planted gardens of Ron and Trudy McAllister. This couple has been living along the shores of the Golfo Dulce for over 25 years. They have planted and raised hundreds of flowering and fruiting plants in the extensive gardens surrounding their home. They welcomed us ashore, and let us wander the grounds admiring the flowers and birdlife that is abundant here. A highlight was sighting chestnut-mandibled toucans that were frequenting the larger trees, and calling from the nearby forest. When it was nearly time to return to the ship, an enormous rainstorm arrived and drenched the land and many of us who had chosen to linger onshore with our hosts. Back onboard, and dried off, we were treated to a traditional Costa Rican buffet dinner, followed by lively Salsa dancing and lessons in the lounge.
