Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Could we do what Ron and Trudy MacAllister have done? During the 1970’s this couple from the United States decided to cruise down into South America to find a new home, but they never made it down to the far south. The southern Pacific side of the small country of Costa Rica won their heart. They have made the Golfo Dulce region their home for the past 26 years, and along with their two children, they have established one of the most amazing gardens many of us have ever seen and will never dare dream to have. This morning we disembarked onto the green garden of Casa Orquidea, the Orchid House. But this is more than an orchid garden. It is a fantastic botanical garden. Native and exotic species of plants make their home within the 7 acres of garden this couple owns. Orchids, bromeliads, palm trees, hibiscus, annatto plants, Dutchman’s pipe, fruiting trees and many other species of plants welcomed us into their abode. Great opportunities for taking pictures!! The birdlife did not fall short: toucans, white hawks, tanagers, warblers, and even scarlet macaws were seen. After an overwhelming visit to the garden, we went back on board for a well deserved jump in the water to cool off.
After lunch, we repositioned just across form the Gulf to the area of Rio Rincon, where we could walk, kayak, or take a Zodiac cruise. Birdlife was abundant as were mangrove trees, and a great sunset--the first one in Costa Rica--showed us the way back on board our faithful ship, the Sea Voyager.
Could we do what Ron and Trudy MacAllister have done? During the 1970’s this couple from the United States decided to cruise down into South America to find a new home, but they never made it down to the far south. The southern Pacific side of the small country of Costa Rica won their heart. They have made the Golfo Dulce region their home for the past 26 years, and along with their two children, they have established one of the most amazing gardens many of us have ever seen and will never dare dream to have. This morning we disembarked onto the green garden of Casa Orquidea, the Orchid House. But this is more than an orchid garden. It is a fantastic botanical garden. Native and exotic species of plants make their home within the 7 acres of garden this couple owns. Orchids, bromeliads, palm trees, hibiscus, annatto plants, Dutchman’s pipe, fruiting trees and many other species of plants welcomed us into their abode. Great opportunities for taking pictures!! The birdlife did not fall short: toucans, white hawks, tanagers, warblers, and even scarlet macaws were seen. After an overwhelming visit to the garden, we went back on board for a well deserved jump in the water to cool off.
After lunch, we repositioned just across form the Gulf to the area of Rio Rincon, where we could walk, kayak, or take a Zodiac cruise. Birdlife was abundant as were mangrove trees, and a great sunset--the first one in Costa Rica--showed us the way back on board our faithful ship, the Sea Voyager.
