Kayaking and Wild Beasts

March 25, Saturday - After a buffet breakfast, we loaded into a “water bus” and motored along an inland canal, paralleling the coast, north to the other side of the volcanic plug (high bluff) for kayaking in a small river/canal that ultimately connects to the ocean.  Along the way we saw 2 small bands of Howler Monkeys yelling at each other across the river, a caiman lying on a log (the boat got within a few feet of it), and several birds, including egrets, orioles, kingfishers, herons, and vultures.

We arrived at the mouth of a small river, launched from the boat and paddled in 2-person plastic kayaks (‘sit-upons’).  The river was black with tannins and impossible to see through.  It was smooth as glass with impressive reflections.  The foliage was rain forest dense.  We spotted spider monkeys, heard the howler monkeys, had glimpses of many birds and butterflies, and spooked something off a log, probably a fresh water turtle.   On the way, I probably had the best sighting  — of a Green Basilisk Lizard lying on a branch over the water.  This lizard is bright green, has sail-like crests on its back and head, white and blue spots on its body and a long, striped tail.  It is known for its ability to ‘walk on water.’  When spooked and using its hind legs, it can run a long distance across the surface of water.   This trick is favorite nature video.

Everyone enjoyed the first water sport of the trip and seemed to have comparable skills.  We docked alongside the bus and all clambered aboard with no mishaps.  We were out for 1 1/2 hours.  On the way back to the hotel, we saw a troop of howler monkeys climbing and swinging high in riverside trees, eating leaves or fruits while hanging upside down by limb and tail.

After lunch, we had a couple of hours of free time, which Betsy and I spent around the pool.  We didn’t swim but got a little sun while reading and dozing.  At 3:00, we gathered up for a nature walk around the lodge grounds.  It was amazing the number of animals we saw in the one mile of walking we covered.  I probably can’t recall them all, but will try and have Betsy help out.  We saw:

* Spider and Howler Monkeys (adults and juveniles)

* Green Iguana (way up in a tree)

* Green Vine Snake and Boa Constrictor - the Boa was small and was nearly invisible

* Golden Orb Spider

* Keel Billed or Rainbow Billed Toucans - otherwise known as Fruits Loops Toucan

* Slaty Tail Trogon

* Purple Throated Fruitcrow

* Brown Basilisk Lizard

* Social Flycatcher

* Rufus Tailed Hummingbird

* Canopy Lizard

* Common Black Hawk

We cooled off with a swim and cleaned up for dinner. 

Note - no photographs of the kayaking, and others will be posted when WiFi is better.