USVI-On-Line

I love those type of nights

Great photos /trip report, Alissa!

Costa Rica is definitely worth visiting. We went 3 years ago during the green season and it didn't rain much for us, either. When it did, it didn't last long.

We stayed somewhere on the beach in the Guanacaste province (on the Pacific side) and really enjoyed it. We went to Playa Ostional at night and got to see turtles coming up to the beach to lay eggs. We went to Tamarindo and saw howler monkeys, and went to Arenal, too.

I really liked the people - all of them were very nice and didn't make fun of my fractured spanish. Even the police officer who pulled my husband over for speeding (and he was) was very polite.

We brought back a great souvenier - after years of trying, I was finally pregnant!

-Sandy

cool pics going to read the reports later when I get time

Great reports! Great trip!

More!

(please...)

More, More, More...

PLEASE!!

I promise, I'm getting around to it. We've had a busy weekend socially (yea us!), we've been preparing our rental property for new tenants and are dealing with all those little things that stack up while you're gone for 10 days. I'm trying not to rush the last couple of parts, because it was really special. Stay tuned - I'll have something in the next day or so.

Oh, and thanks for your interest. I'm happy someone is enjoying my reports.

I have been looking forward to have the time to read your TR and see your pics. And you don’t disappoint me! Lovely pics and such an interesting TR. I would love to go to Costa Rica, not sure that I have the courage to do the SkyTrek, but just to see the volcano and the beautiful nature would be enough for me.

Linne

COSTA RICA TRIP REPORT, PART IV:

The Osa Peninsula

Before I jump right in to an explanation of our lodge, I’d like to briefly explain why we chose the Osa Peninsula, a site so remote that an episode of Survivorman was filmed there (in the Corcovado Reserve). Wildlife viewing was my primary interest in going to Costa Rica. If I want beaches, I’m going to the Caribbean. If I want monkeys, it’s Costa Rica all the way. Many people have this idea that if you just arrive in Costa Rica, there will be monkeys hanging from the rafters. Nothing could be further from the truth. San Jose, the capital, is a very large city that houses millions of people. Much of the country has been developed and deforestation has occurred. However, the Osa Peninsula remains as the most pristine part of Costa Rica.

Primary and secondary rainforest, four types of monkeys, jaguars, rare frogs, the list of what one can see in the Osa goes on and on. This is due, in part, to its fortunate location. The Osa is some 9 hours by car from the capital, over roads that are often impassable. The only logical way to reach the Osa is by small plane, which automatically rules our mass tourism. In addition, the logistics of operating a lodge requires a certain amount of fortitude. In other words: not many people are willing to do it and it is expensive. This, by extension, means lodging is expensive. C’est la vie. It was worth it, and I’d do it again tomorrow.

The Osa is called the most biologically diverse place on earth. More than once, we found ourselves saying “what the %^$! IS that?” when we saw some brightly colored insect, spider or snake. This place is not for everyone, but for those who want a genuine rainforest experience, you can’t get any more authentic than the Osa Peninsula.

Bosque Del Cabo:

We arrived at our lodge, called Bosque Del Cabo (BdC), in the late morning. We were greeted at the front by a cold glass of fresh raspberry juice and sat down at a table for our informal check-in. BdC is a highly-rated small lodge, with around 10 ocean view cabins, 2 garden cabins, and a few rental houses spread throughout the grounds. Maximum capacity is around 45 guests when fully booked.

In short order, we were led to our cabin, called Mariposa. We wanted a deluxe cabin for the additional space and the king-size bed. We were happy with our choice. Because I’d booked eons ago, we received the most private of the cabins. It was bordered on two sides by dense forest, on another by the stone path that led back to the rest of the resort. The front, of course, faced our view of the Pacific, over 500 feet above the shoreline. Despite our massively high position on the cliff, the mighty Pacific was still audible all throughout the day and night.

Mariposa was very well-appointed. Because BdC is so remote, all power is supplied by solar panels and a small hydro-electric system. Thus, A/C, hairdryers, stereos and most other trappings of modern life are not usable. There was enough power in our cabin to support a small fan and to recharge our camera battery. Our cabin had a lovely outdoor shower and bath tub, a sitting area, safe, king size bed with mosquito net (NOT just for looks) and a long, covered porch with those famous Costa Rican rocking chairs.

We checked out the BdC grounds, which in total are some 750 acres, mostly undeveloped. I knew this was someplace special, but pictures really fail to do this place justice. The thatched-roof buildings that comprise the property are built so well and so simply that I began to dream up my own little stateside thatched roof cottage. There is a small pool with a large covered bar area, the dining area, a library right above the dining area, and extensive gardens and hiking trails.

After getting settled and unpacking, we headed to the dining room for lunch. Because BdC is so remote, room rates include all meals. Breakfast and lunch are served off a limited menu at separate tables. Dinner is a buffet with large family-style tables. Though I had some initial reservations about the “family style” seating, in the end I was a big fan of this arrangement. After all, there’s only so much you and your significant other can talk about after experiencing everything together, all day long, for 10 days straight.

We had our first BdC lunch, and the famed tuna melt did not disappoint. The food at BdC was very fresh and simple, and while enjoying our lunch, we pondered which activity to tackle first. I decided, on a whim, that the Titi trail was the one for us. As we headed to the trail, there was a fairly steep hill along the drive to get there. The sweating began. I knew the Osa was hot and humid, but even for this Georgia girl, the humidity was crushing. We adapted quickly within a day or two, but the Osa is not for the humidity averse.

Before we came to Costa Rica, I became obsessed with a raccoon-like animal called a coati (or pizote). I got the impression they were everywhere, but here we were on day five and no coatis in sight. I was getting a little irritated with the coati situation. However, I needn’t worry, because within two minutes of leaving the dining area, a large group of female and baby coatis crossed our path. I considered it a good omen. I was right.

On the Titi trail, which right now is the best one at BdC if you want to see mammals, we saw howler monkeys, spider monkeys, peccaries (scary boar-like creatures that WILL charge you if threatened), great currasows, a toucan and a big, giant snake. We didn’t hike so much as walk 20 feet and stand for several minutes in complete silence. If you just stand still, the wildlife becomes audible. Little cracks in the forest lead you to look at your companion with eyes that say “did you hear that?” Usually, the sounds were fascinating. On occasion, like when a five-foot snake crosses in front of you, it was intimidating.

After the Titi trail, we were tired. It had been a long travel day and though we wanted to do so much more, we really needed to rest. We returned to our cabin and read books. I napped off and on in our hammock. Eventually, dinner time was drawing close, so we got ready and headed up to the bar. We had drinks and met friends. We ate a lovely Italian meal with new acquaintances, some of whom would become old friends by the end of our four nights.

We retired by 9:00 PM for the evening. We were exhausted. I was a bit worried about sleeping. The linens were slightly damp and all we had was a small fan by our heads. No worries, I slept like a rock, maybe the best sleep I’ve had in months. I woke up to the crashing of the Pacific and wildlife sounds. I woke up with much anticipation. Why?

We were going to the Osa Animal Sanctuary.

Great keep them coming
Tom

Thank you! Wonderful trip reports and photos. Costa Rica sounds really intreresting, for a nature lover. I saw a lot of pics from there, as my brother visited CR a year ago, and he was also so very pleased.

I always enjoy reading reports about different places!

I haven't read your entire report yet, but I'm enjoying it so far. Love your pictures, too. Looks like quite an adventure. Thanks for sharing.

After reading your TR from The Osa Peninsula *m ready to go there at once! Looking forward to the rest!

Linne

Did you ever make to the Animal Santuary? Inquiring minds still want to know!

Ugh, yes I did! I sort of petered out on this trip report. I'm slammed at work and getting a 2nd biz up and running, so for now I'm keeping the memories. I hope to get back to this at some point. Bottom line: if you love nature, you should visit the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica.