May 2025
Blog 8: Let it Rain
31/05/25 13:27 Filed in: Central America | Photography
“Officially” May 1 is the start of the Rainy Season in Costa Rica. It got off to a slow start this time, but now it is rain, rain, and rain. There is no normal pattern, but often the day starts with a mix of sunny and wispy clouds, then about noonish the clouds deepen, thunder makes a booming entrance, and the rain comes down for a few hours every now and then.
Like the weather forecaster in Honolulu, the one serving Atenas has the same issue—boredom! Take a look:
Mango Magic
The Rainy Season means it is mango time, especially in May. Every morning during my early walk, I would find dozens of ripe (or almost ripe) mangos asking me to pick them up and have them for breakfast—what a treat! FYI, I am eating one now.
Rainy Season Critters
We mainly see the same critters as in the Dry Season, however, some of them very much enjoy the greener/lusher vegetation.
Daily, we see a variety of birds. Here is a keel-billed toucan and a male tanager.
And humming birds are always a visit of joy.
Here are some pretty flowers on my walk.
One of my favorite birds that we see quite often is the Montezuma.
When it is warm, the iguanas make their appearance, with the males often putting on a strutting show for any females willing to watch.
Atenas Farmers Market
Every weekend there is a farmers market in Atenas. It is not very big, but it has quality items for sale and is quite the social event. Here is a photo of a lady we just bought a “guaranteed to attract butterflies” plant (and yes, I think it works!).
Across the river we often see, agouti, a large brown rodent. They are a challenge to photograph because where they like to hang out is quite a-ways away, they are shy, and they are often on the move.
If you have an interest to learn more about this cute little creature, here is a link:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Agouti&oq=Agouti&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg70gEIMzI0MGowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&sei=hj47aM2oJdT5wbkPuM32qQQ
This and That
At first, we thought this might be an exotic bird, but it turned out to be an exotic plant! Here is the Queen of the Night flowering cactus. We will keep an eye on it.
Even though we live in a very safe neighborhood, it always helps to have backup on the ready. Here are our two guard dogs, each in one of their attack positions. Now you understand why we sleep easy.
Once Upon a Truck
Need a unique Father’s Day present for the macho male in your family? Visit my gallery on Fine Art America. My photos of old trucks can be purchased in a variety of sizes and formats, both framed and unframed. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift that is sure to please.
That’s it for now. Join me again soon for the latest action in my part of Costa Rica.
Pura vida!
Like the weather forecaster in Honolulu, the one serving Atenas has the same issue—boredom! Take a look:
Mango Magic
The Rainy Season means it is mango time, especially in May. Every morning during my early walk, I would find dozens of ripe (or almost ripe) mangos asking me to pick them up and have them for breakfast—what a treat! FYI, I am eating one now.
Rainy Season Critters
We mainly see the same critters as in the Dry Season, however, some of them very much enjoy the greener/lusher vegetation.
Daily, we see a variety of birds. Here is a keel-billed toucan and a male tanager.
And humming birds are always a visit of joy.
Here are some pretty flowers on my walk.
One of my favorite birds that we see quite often is the Montezuma.
When it is warm, the iguanas make their appearance, with the males often putting on a strutting show for any females willing to watch.
Atenas Farmers Market
Every weekend there is a farmers market in Atenas. It is not very big, but it has quality items for sale and is quite the social event. Here is a photo of a lady we just bought a “guaranteed to attract butterflies” plant (and yes, I think it works!).
Across the river we often see, agouti, a large brown rodent. They are a challenge to photograph because where they like to hang out is quite a-ways away, they are shy, and they are often on the move.
If you have an interest to learn more about this cute little creature, here is a link:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Agouti&oq=Agouti&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg70gEIMzI0MGowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&sei=hj47aM2oJdT5wbkPuM32qQQ
This and That
At first, we thought this might be an exotic bird, but it turned out to be an exotic plant! Here is the Queen of the Night flowering cactus. We will keep an eye on it.
Even though we live in a very safe neighborhood, it always helps to have backup on the ready. Here are our two guard dogs, each in one of their attack positions. Now you understand why we sleep easy.
Once Upon a Truck
Need a unique Father’s Day present for the macho male in your family? Visit my gallery on Fine Art America. My photos of old trucks can be purchased in a variety of sizes and formats, both framed and unframed. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift that is sure to please.
That’s it for now. Join me again soon for the latest action in my part of Costa Rica.
Pura vida!
Blog 7: Hot Springs, Rare Birds, and a Big Volcano
Background
Since our arrival in Costa Rica, we have taken several nearby trips, including a few overnights, but none over 80 miles from our home in Atenas. However, when two good friends, Jamers and Nike, were going to visit, we decided to broaden our scope. Hence, we did a little research and settled on three locations that sounded like fun.
(Note that Nike took some excellent photos on our excursion. Photos you see with an asterisk are ones she shot.)
Arrive SJO
Jamers and Nike both arrived on the same plane a little early with little hassle so we picked them up off the street in record time. Arriving at home in the late afternoon, we had time to relax, tell old stories, and go out to one of the many pizza joints in town.
(* Above Photo by Nike)
Arenal
The next morning, we loaded up our car to drop the Pups off at the sitters. It was in the opposite direction of our destination, adding 30 minutes to our four-hour trip (56 miles). Jan took the ups and downs and arounds like the CR pro she is.
We stayed at Hotel Arenal Paraíso Resort & Spa, with our room facing the Arenal Volcano, just a 7-iron shot away (well, maybe a little further—it is a big volcano). We spent the late afternoon and early evening hanging at the hotel pool.
(* Above Photo by Nike)
After looking at a number of options, we decided on the “easy” 2.5-mile, hour-long hanging bridges hike. Our chatty tour guide (nice, friendly, good English) picked us up in a van and lead us up and around the hanging bridges, pointing out all the flora and fauna we came across. Note that it was a very enjoyable trip, but easy—not so much.
That evening we took advantage of the hot springs on the hotel property, then rested up for our next adventure.
Monteverde
The trip to Montverde was quite pretty, but the roads left much to be desired—you can understand that in bad weather, it is 4-wheel-drive-only territory.
We stayed at the Monteverde Country Lodge, a quaint, old hotel. Across the street was a good restaurant, complete with a guest-checking dog and a fine IPA.
Monteverde has the reputation as one of the best birding destinations on the planet. Lots of beautiful birds, but the most sought after is the resplendent questzal. So, of course, we hoped we’d see one, though the odds were low.
Curi-Chanca Reserve
The first morning, we hiked the Curi-Chanca Reserve. A quiet, very pleasant hike, but not a lot of sightings.
(* Above Photo by Nike)
(* Above Photo by Nike)
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Of all the excellent birding locations in the Monteverde area, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is the most well-known and the most popular. When we were there, it was busy but not as crowded as it is in the busy season.
Nike scouted it out the afternoon of our Curi-Chanca Reserve walk as the rest of us chilled. She came back gung-ho and talked all of us into changing our plan for zip-lining in order to visit the Cloud Forest the next morning.
It was warm and humid, and the trails were steep and slick in places, so our pace was a little slow. We attempted to find the location of the last resplendent questzal sighting, but no luck. So, we resigned ourself to lick our wounds and count our blessings. A coati joined us for about 10 minutes on the trail down.
Further on our way, I came across two excited women. Seeing me, they pointed up to a branch. BINGO! It was a questzal that was soon joined by others. Nike came up and we spent some time trying to photograph these beauties.
(* Above Video by Nike)
After seeing “THE BIRDS," a big thumbs up as Niki took a selfie.
(* Above Photo by Nike)
Manual Antonio National Park
After we checked in to our hotel, the Jungle Beach, we were told that there was no water there or anywhere in the vicinity, and no one knew when the spigots would be turned on. Going without water until the next morning wasn’t pleasant, but the possibility of no water for two days seemed like a bad situation. Hence, we decided to cut our trip short by one day.
The next morning, Jan and Jamers stayed at the hotel for the morning while Niki and I went to Manual Antonio National Park. Manual Antonio was Costa Rica’s first national park, its smallest national park, and its most crowded national park (you have to sign up online and only a limited number get let in). Is it worth it? This picture of the beach is persuading.
We saw a few birds, including this good-looking slaty-tailed trogon.
We also saw a two-toed sloth, but it was a neck-stretcher to see it.
Back Home
Noonish, we took the trip back to our home in Atenas. The next day was our last time together, so once again, we made a road trip—this time a short drive.
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center Costa Rica
https://rescatewildlife.org/tickets-tours/
This is a first-class rescue center where the animals come first.
(* Above Photo by Nike)
For the most part, that ended our adventure—until next time.
IS THAT IT? NO! THERE IS MORE EXCITEMENT!
Starting immediately, you can view world-class old trucks! For 15 years, Alex and Jan traveled the Southwest part of the US shooting old trucks. Visit my gallery on Fine Art America to take a look. https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/32-james-alexander
Pura Vida!
Since our arrival in Costa Rica, we have taken several nearby trips, including a few overnights, but none over 80 miles from our home in Atenas. However, when two good friends, Jamers and Nike, were going to visit, we decided to broaden our scope. Hence, we did a little research and settled on three locations that sounded like fun.
(Note that Nike took some excellent photos on our excursion. Photos you see with an asterisk are ones she shot.)
Arrive SJO
Jamers and Nike both arrived on the same plane a little early with little hassle so we picked them up off the street in record time. Arriving at home in the late afternoon, we had time to relax, tell old stories, and go out to one of the many pizza joints in town.
(* Above Photo by Nike)
Arenal
The next morning, we loaded up our car to drop the Pups off at the sitters. It was in the opposite direction of our destination, adding 30 minutes to our four-hour trip (56 miles). Jan took the ups and downs and arounds like the CR pro she is.
We stayed at Hotel Arenal Paraíso Resort & Spa, with our room facing the Arenal Volcano, just a 7-iron shot away (well, maybe a little further—it is a big volcano). We spent the late afternoon and early evening hanging at the hotel pool.
(* Above Photo by Nike)
After looking at a number of options, we decided on the “easy” 2.5-mile, hour-long hanging bridges hike. Our chatty tour guide (nice, friendly, good English) picked us up in a van and lead us up and around the hanging bridges, pointing out all the flora and fauna we came across. Note that it was a very enjoyable trip, but easy—not so much.
That evening we took advantage of the hot springs on the hotel property, then rested up for our next adventure.
Monteverde
The trip to Montverde was quite pretty, but the roads left much to be desired—you can understand that in bad weather, it is 4-wheel-drive-only territory.
We stayed at the Monteverde Country Lodge, a quaint, old hotel. Across the street was a good restaurant, complete with a guest-checking dog and a fine IPA.
Monteverde has the reputation as one of the best birding destinations on the planet. Lots of beautiful birds, but the most sought after is the resplendent questzal. So, of course, we hoped we’d see one, though the odds were low.
Curi-Chanca Reserve
The first morning, we hiked the Curi-Chanca Reserve. A quiet, very pleasant hike, but not a lot of sightings.
(* Above Photo by Nike)
(* Above Photo by Nike)
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Of all the excellent birding locations in the Monteverde area, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is the most well-known and the most popular. When we were there, it was busy but not as crowded as it is in the busy season.
Nike scouted it out the afternoon of our Curi-Chanca Reserve walk as the rest of us chilled. She came back gung-ho and talked all of us into changing our plan for zip-lining in order to visit the Cloud Forest the next morning.
It was warm and humid, and the trails were steep and slick in places, so our pace was a little slow. We attempted to find the location of the last resplendent questzal sighting, but no luck. So, we resigned ourself to lick our wounds and count our blessings. A coati joined us for about 10 minutes on the trail down.
Further on our way, I came across two excited women. Seeing me, they pointed up to a branch. BINGO! It was a questzal that was soon joined by others. Nike came up and we spent some time trying to photograph these beauties.
(* Above Video by Nike)
After seeing “THE BIRDS," a big thumbs up as Niki took a selfie.
(* Above Photo by Nike)
Manual Antonio National Park
After we checked in to our hotel, the Jungle Beach, we were told that there was no water there or anywhere in the vicinity, and no one knew when the spigots would be turned on. Going without water until the next morning wasn’t pleasant, but the possibility of no water for two days seemed like a bad situation. Hence, we decided to cut our trip short by one day.
The next morning, Jan and Jamers stayed at the hotel for the morning while Niki and I went to Manual Antonio National Park. Manual Antonio was Costa Rica’s first national park, its smallest national park, and its most crowded national park (you have to sign up online and only a limited number get let in). Is it worth it? This picture of the beach is persuading.
We saw a few birds, including this good-looking slaty-tailed trogon.
We also saw a two-toed sloth, but it was a neck-stretcher to see it.
Back Home
Noonish, we took the trip back to our home in Atenas. The next day was our last time together, so once again, we made a road trip—this time a short drive.
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center Costa Rica
https://rescatewildlife.org/tickets-tours/
This is a first-class rescue center where the animals come first.
(* Above Photo by Nike)
For the most part, that ended our adventure—until next time.
IS THAT IT? NO! THERE IS MORE EXCITEMENT!
Starting immediately, you can view world-class old trucks! For 15 years, Alex and Jan traveled the Southwest part of the US shooting old trucks. Visit my gallery on Fine Art America to take a look. https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/32-james-alexander
Pura Vida!