Outback Cuads orchestrated a Poker Ride today, raising money for school improvements at Zaragoza, a small pueblo in the high hills above Samara.
We picked up our “hand” of cards from wranglers along the way, while dodging a typical Saturday morning commute.
I live in one of the prettiest landscapes imaginable, with thick deciduous forests.
Volcanic mountains that reach right down to the sea.
We’ve had some very low tides lately on the Pacific coast, in Samara.
Steve and I took advantage of one of them to walk around Punta Samara, from Playa Samara to Playa Buena Vista. Read More
I’ve got friends in town this week, which is always a good excuse to do fun stuff I forget to do on my own.
After snorkeling – sorry, no pictures – and seeing the Scarlet Macaws, we went horseback riding. Read More
One of my favorite things to do when family and guests visit us here in Playa Samara, Costa Rica is to head down the beach about 10 kliks to visit the big birds. The Ara Project is a breeding center for Great Green Macaws and Scarlet Macaws, both of which used to live all over Costa Rica. Read More
[caption id="attachment_5012" align="alignnone" width="545"]
We started out along Playa Carrillo, just 4 km from Casa Mango and Casa Papaya.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5013" align="alignnone" width="545"]
Our first river crossing made a shady rest stop.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5021" align="alignnone" width="545"]
Every village has a church.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5023" align="alignnone" width="545"]
And a football field - la plaza.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5020" align="alignnone" width="545"]
You want to keep your distance in the dry (dusty) months.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5027" align="alignnone" width="545"]
I loved these helmets. Virtually dust free.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5028" align="alignnone" width="545"]
The cows were curious in the ranch country.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5026" align="alignnone" width="545"]
We stopped for a pleasant lunch in a typical fresh air restaurant.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5030" align="alignnone" width="545"]
Playa Corazalito for a break.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5031" align="alignnone" width="545"]
Trail Boss includes the automatic Quads and all safety gear.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5022" align="alignnone" width="545"]
Trail Boss has a variety of tours at a variety of prices ranging from $32.50/person for a shared 2 hour cruise to $125/person for an 8 hour adventure.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_5014" align="alignnone" width="545"]
The trail boss, Don Sherman, and his cook and banker, Winnie. Call 8730-3503 for a reservation or trailbossatvtours@gmail.com.[/caption]
The big red birds are back in Guanacaste. Read More
We knew from the start this was going to be fun. As we entered the enclosed habitat, Toby greeted us at the gate. He’s a resident Capuchin monkey (White Face or Cara Blanca) who provides the main show at SIBU Sanctuary, with his high energy and cute antics.
The main population of Howler Monkeys (Congos) is a more docile species, embodying the Pura Vida lifestyle. They prefer to lie around on the inner tubes and limbs above our heads and watch. Or play with their stuffed toys. They follow us from chamber to chamber within the 30’ high habitat, curious but shy. Occasionally, fruit is thrown.
Toby, however, is of much bolder stock – a Cara Blanca can be quite aggressive in the wild. He grabs at our hats and cameras. Tries to pull things out of our pockets. Then he’s off to wrestle with his buddy the Pizote (Coati or Coatamundi). Together, they entertain us throughout our visit. But while we’re otherwise engaged Ginger, a previously released Howler, breaks into the kitchen by undoing the cotter pin at the gate to raid for fresh papaya.
This is life at Sibu Sanctuary, where Vicki and Steve Coen rehabilitate injured and abandoned Howler Monkeys along with other small mammals, preparing them to return to the wild forest.
Some have been electrocuted (or orphaned by the electrocution of their mothers) while crossing roads on uninsulated electrical lines, which is a huge problem as development in Costa Rica pushes against Nature.
First stop for injured animals is usually the sister site, Refugio Animales de Nosara (Nosara Wildlife Refuge), where their injuries are treated. Once they move to SIBU, they spend 2 1/2 years before returning to the forest.
Together, the sister sites are known as Nosara Wildlife Rescue and they have rehabilitated and released over 70 Howler Monkeys, plus numerous other small mammals. Raccoons, possums, porcupines, and Cara Blancas have all spent some time here.
Charlie, one of their early releases, stops by frequently with his own troupe now. He has a new baby, on one of his 6 wives.
A visit to SIBU Sanctuary is well worth the $50.00 per person donation. Make a reservation with Vicki@NosaraWildlife.com or (506) 8866-4652. You can also visit the Refuge, (506) 2682-5049. Just 45 minutes drive from Casa Mango and Casa Papaya, a visit to SIBU or the Refuge makes a great day trip, followed by lunch on Playa Pelada. When you see the work they’re doing, you’ll be glad to help.
This gallery contains 14 photos.
Pete and Maggie shared their boat last week and an incredible day of the dolphins. They were cruising along just outside of Samara Bay when hundreds of dolphins showed up. They played around for over an hour. The sea turtle was an added bonus. Thanks to Margo for the great photos. At Casa Mango and Casa …
Google-Maps is a great tool for finding your way around in unfamiliar territory, unless that territory is Costa Rica. It just doesn’t work so well here. Many of our guests at Casa Mango and Casa Papaya, especially those who don’t speak Spanish, try to navigate with printed Google directions. They often get lost or take all day to cover what they think should have been an hour’s drive. GPS is an even more frustrating tool.
Here’s the thing: Read More
Sandy-Shorts 