Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Our early exploration brought us near the complex mangrove ecosystem on the mouth of Rio Rincon, at Golfo Dulce-Costa Rica. We explored it by Zodiac and were able to see all four different species of mangrove in the area. As we continued up the river, we reached a point where the waterway has been blocked by a fallen tree. Our experienced Zodiac drivers found a way to get over it, but it meant that we had to get out of our Zodiacs and walk around the tree along the sandy shores. Our experience with the fallen tree shows that nothing is preset; our explorations are based on our determination, and we obviously succeeded! As a reward, we got to see many different species of birds: Roseate Spoon Bills were seen several times, as well as three different species of Kingfishers plus crested Caracara and Woodstock among many others. During our ride back, the tide was much higher so we didn’t have to get out to go over the tree.
After lunch, we went ashore to visit “Casa Orquidea”, which is a beautiful landscaped private botanical garden overlooking the turquoise waters of Golfo Dulce. Longtime residents, Ron and Trudy McAllister, have maintained this garden for the past 25 years. In a little over two hours, we saw what the spices and fruits in our kitchen look like when they are still on vines and trees. We even got to taste the ones in season! Among them were ginger, vanilla, black pepper, cinnamon, cacao, cashew, mango, avocado and papaya. We also saw fruits the natives used to dye cloth.
A colorful bird, the Slaty-tailed Trogon, was spotted coming in and out from its nest made of an abandoned termite nest. As we were observing this, a group of at least ten chestnut-billed Toucans flew into sight and perched on the open branches of a nearby tree. Suddenly, all the toucans started at once performing their warning calls, as a bird of prey (possible a broad-wing hawk) circled the territory.
What a way to say good-bye to Costa Rica, as our next sailing will take us to the equally beautiful country of Panama.
