So the cycling is over, and it is nearly time for the final supper with the group that we have spent the last couple of weeks with.
Woke early to a gloriously hot morning for an 8.15 am trip to a project called Kids Saving the Rainforest, an organisation started in the 1990s by two children, aged 9! They had raised money to buy a small patch of rainforest in Costa Rica through a charity but unfortunately, they were disappointed as the money went to administration costs. But undaunted, the KSTR was born. A variety of animals – injured, orphaned, electrocuted, research subjects and abused animals – are brought to the centre and many are released back into the wild, the ultimate aim. Sadly, not all of them would survive alone in the wild and live out their days at the centre. What was really interesting about this trip was to be able to talk to the intern who was researching the effect of road construction on wildlife and keeping a close eye on the ‘monkey bridges’ in the area.
Quick change and lunch before heading out for the first time to Manuel Antonio National Park for a guided visit. We decided that a guide, at least this first time would be good as they know the secrets of the rainforest; it turns out we made the right decision. We sighted sloths, aguttis, raccoons, common parakeets (almost impossible to spot even from a foot away) and a porcupine nestling in a tree.
And then after the beautiful animals, the Pacific Ocean on Manuel Antonio’s very own beach. Warm, rolling waves were blissful after a 39 degree hike in the park.
Before we headed out for the evening, we thought that we ought to get our accommodation sorted for our extra week in Costa Rica. There are backpackers hostels in Manuel Antonio and one on the road to the park was our first stop but unfortunately, the guy we needed to speak to was not available. So we opted instead for the more expensive hotel, Hotel Villa Bosque . If you are thinking of finding accommodation ‘on the hoof’, it is worth wandering around the hotels/hostels as there are sometimes special rates for walk-ins; as long as it isn’t the really busy time of year such as Easter Holidays, finding a bed shouldn’t be a problem. I felt we treated this activity a little lazily but at the end of the day, we found lovely accommodation!
And finally, it was the last supper with the group and the thank you speeches at the restaurant, El Avion (which is on the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio) A sad evening but not that sad…we are staying for another week whilst most of the others get on their planes!
talestrailsandtravels 