…and it’s still raining…

Can’t remember if we are on day 4 or day 5, but the much-needed rains are still coming down strong. Based on our yard rain gauge it’s rained more than a foot this week. In Arizona that would strand us on the “wrong” (un-passable) side of Tonto Creek for many weeks. Here it’s an inconvenience if you were planning to spend the day at the beach or work in the yard, but so far no flooding or visible damage. Just lots of water. The photos were taken by our neighbor, Ruth, who ventured out to Puerto Viejo yesterday. Would you believe that the “boat parking lot” was a road in front of the beach just last week!

Getting in out of the rain…

I was sitting on the front porch this afternoon enjoying a much-needed rainfall when I noticed an animal by the front gate. At first I thought it was one of the dogs, but soon realized this matted-fur creature was a two-toed sloth looking for some cover from the elements. He climbed to the top of the gate and over to a mamon chino tree. The tall, thin branches were good for climbing but the tree lacked enough leaf coverage to keep him dry, so off he went, branch-by-branch, to an adjoining tree. This one, a cashew tree, had great overhead protection but lacked the tall branches that sloths seem to prefer to keep them safe from predators. Next he tried climbing over to the car. Now this place definitely looked safe and dry. But he soon discovered that his two-toed arms and legs that are so great for climbing throughout the jungle couldn’t help him get in or on a metal and glass car. He tried crouching under the car but that didn’t seem right either. The rains continued. Two-and-a-quarter inches in an hour. Another tropical plant was tried and rejected. Finally he was at the house which is built on stilts. Here he could crawl under the house to stay dry and curl up for some much needed rest, totally ignoring the 5 dogs that were also seeking refuge there. It’s late now and still raining. The only sounds we hear are the chirping of frogs and rain on the tin roof. All seems quiet under the house. We hope our new visitor has a safe, dry night and comes back often.

Would you believe Howler Monkeys!

The first time you hear these blood-curdling sounds you'll swear you are being surrounded by wild beasts. It's even more shocking when you discover the mighty roars that echo throughout the jungle every morning and evening are actually just the sound of monkeys -- average size howler monkeys. We brought our visiting friends on a hike through the jungle near Cahuita to see these delightful creatures up close and personal. Hope you enjoy our version of the "survival guy."

A fine-feathered friend...

A day after we returned to Costa Rica after a 6-week visit with family and friends in Arizona, we were joined by 2 AZ friends giving us an excuse to visit all of our favorite beaches and bars. Along the way we ran into this very friendly parrot hanging out by the entrance to Cahuita National Park. There was no owner in sight but not to worry -- this guy sounds like he can find his way around in any language.