North to El Jaguar

On the trip North we stopped at a few lakes to do some birding and also happen upon this fella selling parrots on the side of the road. He hoped we wanted to buy a parrot, but really we just wanted to figure out what kind of parrot it was. He was bummed when we busted out the bird books. I bet the parrots were too...

Lakes (playitas) with lots of fun birds, jacanas and other interesting water fowl, but I'll spare you the details.

As we continued to climb in elevation and neared El Jaguar, there was an obvious drop in temperture. More and more clouds appeared and just as we reached the road to El Jaguar it started to rain. I suppose that shouldn't be surprising since it is a cloud forest after all...

Still, I just wasn't quite prepared for the extent of rain and fog. The temperature was also a bit of a shocker. The first few days the high was no more than 65. Way to go choose the coldest place in the tropics. Ha!

All that moisture does make for a lot of greenery though. And very muddy trails. Good thing we are also in the mountains so there are a lot of steep hills to traverse. Muy Bueno.

It's pretty much an ideal situation.

Ah rubber boots, pretty sure I'll be living in these bad boys for the next couple of months.

The good news is the coffee likes the weather.

Lots of fog and mist and rain equals lots of moss, epiphytes and bromeliads. The forest is somewhat similar to the Pacific Northwest. Everything is covered in moss, and it's cold and wet. See where I'm going with this?

The real test will be whether the laundry ever dries or just turns green like everything else.

John and Mer playing in the gargantuan vegetation. Those leaves are no joke and next time it rains I fully intend to use one as an umbrella.

A rare moment in the cloud forest...semi-clear skies!

When this occurs Buena Vista is true to it's name. The rest of the time there is about 50 feet of visibility because of the fog.

The initial residence was a little room next to the office and kitchen used for large groups. Pros: close to food; Cons: no where to put all of our equipment and outdoor cold showers. Normally not a bad thing except when it is only 65 or less outside. Then it is just frigid.

The new digs. We upgraded to the cabins, which give us a little more living space, and indoor bathroom (with hot water, aww snap) and more importantly a small stove to make coffee whenever we need it. It's the little things.

Our little hummingbird friend found the feeder after only one day.
Everyone needs a hammock.