Rio Salada
Today most of us began our travels in Central America.
Early morning is a great time in the tropics. The temperatures are cool, and animals are active. So were we. We left the ship by 7 a.m. to explore the Rio Salada by kayak or by Zodiac. Birds were easy to see. Disease has recently killed a lot of local palms, so woodpeckers were abundant. We saw many golden-fronted woodpeckers, as well as a fine lineated woodpecker – a sort of tropical pileated. Some of us saw motmots, colorful tropical birds with pendulous balls at the ends of their tails.
Scanning the treetops we also found a couple of groups of howler monkeys. Howlers are laid-back monkeys. Generally they are found hanging about the treetops in positions of ease. They are literally slothful. Just like sloths, howlers eat mostly leaves. Since leaves are a low energy food source, howlers are more or less required to take it easy in life – not a bad way to spend a tropical day!
As temperatures increased, we moved into howler mode – browsing our way through a late breakfast and then taking a siesta as the ship repositioned. Then we emulated another creature we saw today. Like dolphins, we slipped into the comparatively refreshing waters about Cayos Cachinos Marine Reserve.
Most of us are foreigners to this place, but it’s interesting to see how quickly and comfortably we take on the ways of the locals to fit into a new world. .
Today most of us began our travels in Central America.
Early morning is a great time in the tropics. The temperatures are cool, and animals are active. So were we. We left the ship by 7 a.m. to explore the Rio Salada by kayak or by Zodiac. Birds were easy to see. Disease has recently killed a lot of local palms, so woodpeckers were abundant. We saw many golden-fronted woodpeckers, as well as a fine lineated woodpecker – a sort of tropical pileated. Some of us saw motmots, colorful tropical birds with pendulous balls at the ends of their tails.
Scanning the treetops we also found a couple of groups of howler monkeys. Howlers are laid-back monkeys. Generally they are found hanging about the treetops in positions of ease. They are literally slothful. Just like sloths, howlers eat mostly leaves. Since leaves are a low energy food source, howlers are more or less required to take it easy in life – not a bad way to spend a tropical day!
As temperatures increased, we moved into howler mode – browsing our way through a late breakfast and then taking a siesta as the ship repositioned. Then we emulated another creature we saw today. Like dolphins, we slipped into the comparatively refreshing waters about Cayos Cachinos Marine Reserve.
Most of us are foreigners to this place, but it’s interesting to see how quickly and comfortably we take on the ways of the locals to fit into a new world. .
