Sunset, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica November 2019
“I was born with nothing,
and I ain’t got much to give,
but I give you my word…”
“Don’t lie to me, it makes you look bad,
don’t lie to me, it’s all that you have,
don’t lie to me, you’re never gonna live it down”
The lyrics to this Mother Trucker’s song popped into my mind during a recent conversation with a friend about personal ethics. Give it a listen, besides being a fun romp there’s a certain amount of truth in there!
For me, a trip to Oregon would not be complete without a jaunt out to the coast. I’ve been visiting the Pacific Northwest for over 20 years and have even been fortunate enough to live here for a time. Though it was chilly, there was still a happy amount of sunshine peeking through the clouds.
Walking the beach was more meaningful this trip since just a week prior I had dipped my toes in the same ocean, albeit some 4,000 miles south. Beach = barefoot in my book, though I’ll admit the 51°F felt a bit cold (hence, the red toes). Obviously, the water was a lot warmer down in Costa Rica!
The Pacific Ocean never fails to mesmerize…
Happiness for Sale, Portland, Oregon December 2019
It’s been said that money can’t buy happiness (with some important caveats). After basic human needs are met (food, shelter, and safety for example) happiness does improve with additional income, but only to a point. After that, more money ≠ more happiness.
While I don’t usually try to buy it, I was pleasantly surprised to find Happiness not only for sale, but on sale. I’ll let you know how it works!
Graffiti, Tucson, Arizona December 2019
I spotted this graffiti Monday afternoon while driving through the barrio on my way to Anita Street Market (a must stop every time I visit Tucson). They make the best tortillas ever – I know it sounds weird but they’re made with cottage cheese. Delish!
Of course, I had to stop to snap a photograph. Think about it: not only did a lot of effort go into creating this statement (schnazzy, two color design) but the artist risked a misdemeanor for property damage in order to declare his pot pie passion. And really, who’s going to disagree? Pot pie is fantastic!
Advisory Sign, Tucson, Arizona December 2019
There are many things to love about my old hometown; the mild winter weather, abundant sunshine, accessible natural areas, prolific wildlife, laid back atmosphere, nice people, and delicious food. And every once in awhile, there’s a little something, like this sign, that makes me smile.
I had to flip two u-turns to take this photo but I couldn’t pass it up. So many questions come to mind: How many man hours did it take to nail down that exact measurement? Does anyone really think any driver has the spatial capability to discern those extra three feet? If the sign was off by the three feet would people just randomly drive into the desert instead of deducing that they should use the upcoming turn lane? And lastly, why not just move the sign the three feet?!
I am convinced that no other signs are that precisely situated, which leads me to think that they should all just say 300-ish feet. That would certainly simplify the sign making and placement process!
I spent my last Costa Rican day in Alajuela, a small town now engulfed by the capital city of San Jose. After settling into my hotel, I set out to enjoy the warm afternoon by wandering the neighborhood. The sound of live music enticed me over to the nearby park and I was pleasantly surprised by the scene.
A large band, replete with a beautiful marimba, had gathered a large Tico crowd. I was mesmerized by the rhythmic swaying of the many dancers. Though I stuck out like a sore thumb (I was the only guera* in attendance and by far the tallest woman – well, to be honest, I was one of the tallest, period) everyone was very welcoming. I was even encouraged onto the dance floor a couple times.
With my uniquely imperfect blend of Spanish/English I learned that the band plays every Sunday afternoon in the park during the dry season. What a lovely way to wrap up my stay. Thanks, Costa Rica, for all your amazing hospitality!
*Guera: White girl or blonde girl.
For my last day in the cloud forest I was joined in my ramblings by Marcel and Mariza, retired school teachers from the Netherlands. Though the woods were fairly silent we had a lovely time chatting while wandering the winding trails of the Curi-Cancha Reserve.
A special treat was stumbling across a group of seven agoutis hunting, and squabbling over, large (and presumably tasty) acorns. We finished our warm afternoon with our own sweet treat, ice cream made fresh at the local dairy. It was a delightful way to wrap up my visit!
Wait for the surprise ending – things got a little heated under the old oak tree!
Searching around on the map the night before I found a small, free park in the hills above Santa Elena. Since that was a rarity in the area, I decided to check it out. The next morning I packed a lunch and headed uphill. The park wasn’t that far but the 4500′ elevation and hilly terrain of the area were a bit of a challenge for a girl who has spent the last two years living at sea level.
The park had several winding trails and even a lovely stream running through it. The velvety brown seed pod of the Macuna tree was one of the first things to catch my eye. This is the tree responsible for the hamburger sea beans, like the ones I found this past summer on the beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast.
I was delighted to see my fourth species of toucan, the Keel-billed (or more colorfully, Rainbow-billed) Toucan. After following an industrious line of Leafcutter Ants through the park for awhile I settled on a mossy stone near the brook for lunch.
A tiny movement to the side caught my eye so I slowly raised my camera and turned toward it. There, peering at me from behind a leaf, was a handsome Blue-crowned Motmot. To say I was delighted is an understatement! I later learned that they nest in the banks of waterways, earning them the common epithet of “banco bravo” (riverbank guard).
It was a really great way to spend another day in the cloud forest!
My next excursion, the Ecological Sanctuary, was a hilly 1.3 km walk from Santa Elena. This property is family-owned and primarily consists of secondary growth forest. They allow visitors to wander the grounds for a fee but they also grow coffee and bananas to supplement their income.
Surprisingly, the open areas of this reserve proved to be very fruitful. I discovered several new-to-me species of birds, marveled over the clear wings of the Glasswinged Butterfly, spent quality time watching an adorable agouti, and sadly, lamented the recent demise of a precious porcupette. Clear views of the Nicoya Gulf and Peninsula were a special treat.
Though I was alone on the trails my visit was nowhere near silent as a myriad of insects were abuzz.
I was up early the following morning for a wildlife tour of the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. True to its name, we were hiking in a cloud most of the time. Thankfully, it was only a drizzle, or as they say up here, pelo de gato (a fine, cat hair-like mist).
The reserve protects 26,000 acres of virgin forest, covering six life zones in the Cordillaren de Tilarán (mountains that form the continental divide between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts). There were many moments during our three hour stroll that the verdant landscape reminded me of the Hot Rainforest in Olympic National Park.
According to our guide, the woods were unusually quiet that day but I enjoyed chatting with my companions, lovely folks from both Denver and Houston. Thankfully, we did manage to spot a few stunning birds, especially at the hummingbird garden near the entrance. Overall, a wonderful way to spend a day!
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