Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Friday, our second day in Santa Rosa, was the most incredible day of the trip so far. We were honored to accompany Maria Marta, a botanist and local activist for the marine ecosystem in the fishing town of Quanaquil pictured below, on a day long boat trip around the bay area of Santa Rosa National Park. The area is home to a diverse number of birds, including pelicans, kingfishers, friggets, and herons.

We snorkeled in two different areas in the bay. I saw an eagle ray, incredibly beautiful with its white spots and so graceful when it swims, as well as several octopi and lots of tropical fishes. I also got to touch a puffer fish, all puffed up, and was surprised by its texture. The experience was exhilarating!

After leaving the first snorkeling site, a group of 15 to 20 dolphins swam along side our boats. Of course, I never could quite seem to snap the picture when they were jumping, but here you can see a couple of fins . . .

We anchored the boats and ate lunch on a beautiful shell beach. We cold see several miles away where the clouds stretched down to the ground like pulled cotton from the sky, and our boat captain told us we were watching the rain coming down in Nicaragua.

Maria Marta talked with us about the problems of overfishing in the area and the impact on the ecosystem in the park. She is actively involved in conservation efforts and works not only with government officials but also with local fishermen to increase awareness. She is incredibly respected by both groups. We saw a commercial fishing vessel on the horizon below.

Another fascinating aspect of this area is the vast evidence of the geological history of the area. You can see the tilt and the striations in the rock below, and we would learn even more about the geology of the area when we visited Rincon de Vieja, a volcano called "the corner of the old woman," the next day.
So, the next day (Saturday), we hiked a three mile loop through the volcanic area of another national park. Look at the tarantula!!!
Evidence of the geologic activity below the surface of the earth . . . .
Boiling springs and mud pots with temperatures up to 248 degrees F! Scientists have just discovered a new form of bacteria living in the mud.

Tonio, the park "mascot," joined us for lunch. He's in the raccoon family and is just as sneaky. He stole a sandwich!

Here's a couple of pictures of our Hotel in La Cruz where we had been staying while visiting the Santa Rosa area.

You could call it "rustic," I suppose. We had lots of geckos and bugs in our rooms. The geckos would click all night long. Click click click click. Between the clicking and the heat, it was hard to sleep. Luckily, the hiking and the swimming left us exhausted enough to get at least some sleep.

There were also the largest toads I have ever seen in my life outside (well, inside too) the hotel. This giant was about the size of a small canteloupe!