The "Big Year" adventure.

March 14

We started our morning with a terrific breakfast at the hotel. Made terrific not so much by real fabulous food but by really fabulous service as they bent over backwards to make sure we were well taken care of.  Our plan was to drive out to the El Yunge National Park which is a tropical rainforest. After a stop at Walgreens grocery department for lunch supplies we started our chaotic drive on the freeway 90km. Scott is a great driver and did a great job on fast paced roads where most road rules seem to be only a suggestion. The GPS took us down a few very narrow streets but we were soon at the El Portal Rain Forest Centre where we were tutored on the hows and whys of rainforests. We started our explore with an amble around the loop at the parking lot that took us through an area rich in vegetation and filled with the chitter of birds. Anyone who has walked with Rex knows what that meant. He captured some of them and added at least 10 new species to his Big Year. We then took the car up the road through the park Along the way was a tower that had been erected in 1963 to provide views of the lush vegetation. Not only were we able to look over the forest of bread fruit, eucalyptus, bulletwood, fern top and many other variety of trees and palms, the tallest bamboo I have ever seen- that clicked as the breeze swayed them, and so many vines and ferns and air plants growing on and up over the forest trees. I loved it. There were exotic flowers everywhere and I am sure we could have spent the whole day taking pictures in the same spot. But there was so much more to see and do. The hike we choose went to La Mina falls. The path was along a stream bed with several little water falls and lots of steps down. It was supposedly a 30 minute walk there but for picture takers a little longer. I can’t think of enough superlatives to describe but let it be know we loved it. The falls was beautiful but visited by several tour parties and the pool that was great for swimming hd enough bodies and I was gad we determined not to pack our towels and suits. Though the hike back was up steps and trails instead of down we made better time as it was past lunch time and an imminent picnic beckoned us. After lunch we left the forest area and found a fabulous beach where we snoozed a bit to the lulling roar of rolling waves. The sand was fine and soft and the waves mesmerizing. They called until we came out to play and then they snuck up and soaked us a few times. The water was warm and the ocean such a beautiful blue. The cloudy morning had turned to sunshine and we truly felt like we were in heaven. Our last explore was to find the bio-luminescent bay which after much searching we found the only way to access it was with a kayaking tour group. That was left for another adventure. We had decided on a Mexican type restaurant but after our first two choices fell through and we couldn’t find another close we opted for Pizza Hut and had a very delicious pizza. Back to the hotel and time for rest. Super fun Day!