Ticks, crabs, and so much more!

February 4, 2009

As I will let Leighton talk about the rest of Panama, I will start this blog with stories of Costa Rica. We are currently near Liberia, Costa Rica. We had hoped to cross the border back into Nicaragua today, but alas we have met the corrupt cops of Costa Rica. After two months in Central America, I come to the conclusion that the cops throughout these countries are only “out for themselves.” They do not even want other cops to see them take bribes, because this would force them to share the earnings. Yes, I was pulled over for driving and Leighton’s name was the sole name on the permit, thus prohibiting me to drive. However, this infraction is generally overlooked. Not by these cops. They detained us until we gave in and gave over a small amount of cash. As a side note, Costa Rica is by far the most expensive and American country of the region. However, we have made the most out of it…and hope to escape to cheaper countries by tomorrow.

Upon our entry into Costa Rica, we drove to Parque Nacional Corcovado. This is claimed by many to be the most “biologically intense location on earth.” It contains hundreds of species of flora and fauna. Needless to say, I was satisfied. We observed all animals from Scarlet Macaws to Spider Monekys to Tamandua Anteater to Coati and Poisonous Dart Frogs. Leighton has become a genius with the picture placement on this website, so hopefully he will soon have more up. As a bit of information for the folks that may visit this region, you do not generally need prior reservations to enter the park. Many websites state that there is very limited camping, or you need a guide, which costs $300. This is all untrue. We paid the $10 entry fee to enter the park and $4 to camp for each day. We arrived in Puerto Jiminez and set up the permits with the Park office. We then drove to Frente Corcovado Lodge and paid $15 for a night and left our car for three days. In the morning, we rose with the light (and sweat) and headed towards Los Patos, the park entrance. After 7 km and many river crossings (none too difficult), we arrived at Los Patos. The rangers checked our permits and we continued on our way. Arriba y abajo we hiked, while listening to the sounds of locusts, thousands of them. The day proved to be a warm one, and we were drenched after 27 km. We camped at Sirena, and slept for maybe one hour due to the heat. The heat soaked our bodies, eventually causing us to feel a bit chilly, but it was so humid that we couldn’t even tell what was happening. Sirena has a covered deck for camping as well as a runway for those folks that feel like they need to be air-lifted out of the park. The beach is nearby, which we readily used to cool off our bodies.

On day two of the excursion, we hiked from Sirena to Carate, and then took a bus to Puerto Jiminez where we lavished ourselves with a beachfront room and AC!! The second day of travel was much lighter than the first. The main challenge was that a large portion of the hike was along the beach, thus preventing much sun protection. However, the beach was absolutely gorgeous! So secluded, with coves, dark and light sand, various crabs and herons, it was a delight to view. On our second day, we witnessed an anteater slapping a tree with his claws, just like a black bear! The coati rummaged through various articles on the ground for forage material. And skinks also darted up trees and into the brush as we passed. The trip to Corcovado was definitely worth the effort! The only downfalls were the heat (but hey, we needed a little challenge, right?) and the massive quantity of ticks that attached themselves to every part of our bodies. I can truthfully say that I have never had that many ticks on me, ever. I would say that there were probably somewhere around 60 by the end of day two. Leighton probably had about the same amount.

After a few days in Corcovado, we quickly sprinted up to Cartago, a cooler town with all amenities. And today, we are here. That’s about it for now. Oh, but I must get a pineapple before we leave Costa Rica—land of the BEST pineapples ever!! And, side note, we are spending the night in a Best Western with a large swimming pool (piscina) and casino. Don’t worry mom, I used my haggling skills. Pura vida!