Early this morning we left Panama and sailed into beautiful Costa Rica. National Geographic Sea Lion docked at a pier in the town of Golfito where we cleared customs.
Our next stop brought us to an amazing botanical garden where we were greeted by the friendly owners Ron and Trudy. They moved here from the U.S. over thirty years ago. Several nature walks were offered. The variety of plants and animal life was incredible. We watched scarlet macaws, with their vibrant colors, long tails, and distinctive call, soar overhead. These beautiful birds were once hunted almost to extinction. Toucans, Cherrie’s tanagers, and striped sparrows were also spotted. White and blue morpho butterflies darted among the plants and we saw tent-making bats hanging upside down on the back side of giant leaves.
Our naturalist taught us about the medicinal use of plants and showed us unique characteristics of some like the bromeliads. These plants are part of the pineapple family and their funnel-shaped leaves collect water and fallen leaves which they compost to create their own “tea of nutrients.” Frogs even take advantage of this water collecting system. Star fruit, pineapples, cashews, bananas, and several herbs were among some of the edible things grown here.
Back on board we had a real treat. We jumped off the fantail into the warm Pacific Ocean and felt tight muscles relax and stress melt away. After lunch we repositioned near Piedras Blancas National Park and visited Saladero Reserve. A pebbled sandy beach lined with red and yellow kayaks and framed with swaying palm trees awaited us. Trails led into the forest and we hiked in to explore. We saw a howler monkey and her baby as well as many birds.
Our first day in Costa Rica was rich and rewarding and the evening was capped off with an exciting lightning storm.
