Quepos Costa Rica Rainforest - January 26, 2024

 Grand World Voyage Day 24 - 7152 Steps

Note: Over 50 photos in this post, many with plants, some with butterflies none of which I have attempted to name. And quite a few photos with no accompanying words at all. (Part of the reason for that is we took over 500 photos yesterday and just culling them down to approx. 50 took way too much time.)

The Windstar passed by our side the ship early this morning.

They really crowd you in when the tender is a lifeboat. But as long as I'm aboard when it has to used a s lifeboat I wouldn't care how crowded it was.

The marina at Quepos where the tenders put us ashore. The Captain mentioned in his daily update that we were the largest ship to ever call on Quepos, but in the future it was likely other large ships would also be stopping here.

A few scenes from the town as we departed on the hour and twenty minute bus ride to Jaco Beach Rainforest Adventure Park, our excursion's destination.

Miles of coconut oil palm plantations along the road. A different palm is used for oil.

New oil palm plants.

Linda was able to capture this image of a Toucan with a little contortion. Limber Linda.

One of the adventurers at the park.

It doesn't look it, but it is real.

Gondola ride above the rainforest. They have zip lines nearby and the lack of any birds making sounds is reflected in what we photographed.

Should it be called a side selfie?

We were up in the air for sure.

I think it should be called "Three Vines."

Termites live here.

My favorite photo.

Does anyone remember the rare Riverbank Flat Banana tree I saw during the boat excursion when we were on the Amazon.

When I saw it growing here in a Costa Rican rainforest I could image how it could have gotten here nor how it could survive. There was definitely only the single  and as the tram continued it travels I finally saw the answer.

The tree was growing near this small stream which likely supplied just enough water for it survive, but not enough to complete it cycle of reproduction. I'd call it one of the mysteries of nature.

Closeup of the stream.

After the tram ride we took a nature walk.

Inside the butterfly house.

Not your usual looking caterpillar.

All those insects have to eat something.

Umbrella palm. It doesn't grow this way. An insect chews around the frond weakening it. It then breaks and voila', an umbrella when you are in the rainforest and it rains.

First time on any excursion that we have been broken up into small groups.

Kapok tree showing the protective spikes.

This spider spins the world's strongest silk.

Heading home, scenes along the road..

Living fence.

Taking a photo of someone taking a photo.

Cemetery

What happens when yo tray to a photo from a moving bus that includes the city sign, a boat near shore and the Zuiderdam moored out in the bay. Bad Bob

Costa Rica is a beautiful place.