Boo & Rats Costa Rica Adventure: Day 8 Costa Rica

The day started off with a Rofous-collared Sparrow in the house. Kevin got him safely out and all was well. I took a walk down the road and across the main street towards the Caribbean at 6 am. Turkey Vultures were active along with a Green Heron. I also saw a nest of some sort up high in a tree, the half moon over the jungle, and Howler Monkeys, among other things too many to mention as there is always something here to observe. As I was walking back towards the house Kevin was outside the gate pointing at a frog on a leaf. Cool!

My bronchitis is back full force. Kevin talked me into going to the pharmacy since you can self medicate. I walked in and told them I needed antibiotics. I was told I had to go to the "Clinic". Apparently you can't self medicate here as we had thought. Off to the clinic I went where I got a more thorough exam than I did with my own doctor back in the States. I was also told that I had not been put on the proper dosage of antibiotics, and I should have been on double the amount - thus the relapse. Anyway, was put on 3 meds. Total cost (without insurance) $180. If I'd been in the States with no insurance who knows what that would have cost. I'm not complaining. I just wanna feel better. I was also told if not better in 3 days, to come back and I would get 1 IM antibiotic once a day for 3 days (IM = intramuscular = butt shot).

Ate at a little Soda across from the clinic. Kevin had already eaten while he waited for me. Food was good, the "hot sauce" was especially good and very potent (most of the better Sodas I've discovered keep a jar of what looks like sliced cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers and jalapeno peppers that have soaked for a while. This Soda's combination kicked butt! Very spicy!)

From there we rode back to Bribri and found the other mountain road Kevin had originally wanted to travel but we couldn't find. And what a gem it was! Seeing the Toucans, a very fussy Montezuma Oropendola, and PARROTS! made me feel much better. I kept hearing the Parrots, and while photographing some Toucans I noticed in a dead tree preening, I followed the sounds and found them. Yes, I was a happy camper. I had photographed Parrots in flight that morning (apparently the Turkey Vulture migration has upset them because I noticed when the Vultures were flying anywhere around them, they would fly off squawking). But this was wonderful - if it had been a sunny day it would have been the bomb! We plan on going back to that spot when it's sunny, hopefully the Parrots the Montezuma Oropendola, and Toucans will cooperate at that time.

Anyway, despite the rain and dreary day today (I spoke too soon yesterday about the Weather God smiling on us), it was another great day here in Costa Rica. We did pass some property for sale on the road going across the mountain the we would love if we were to ever live here - high on the mountain, lovely property and house across from it, and spectacular view). Dreams............You gotta have them.

Also changed our plans for Monday with Abel. Now we are going to do a half day tour that starts on a boat in Manzanillo to the Gandoca Lagoon where we will kayak through mangrove forests and the wetlands of Gandoca y Manzanilla-Punta Mono. Dr. told me an all day hike would not be good, so taking it "easy". :) This tour sounds wonderful also and can't wait!

Side note, did you know that a Turkey Vulture's head can twist more than 180 degrees around? It can, as I found out on my morning walk.

Good night, buenas noches amigos.

Stephanie