Monday, Oct 30 Puntarenas, Costa Rica
There are two things similar between Vancouver and Costa Rica. Costa Rica has 2 seasons, dry and rainy. Vancouver also has a rain season and then the rainier rainy season. We arrived at the port town of Puntarenas around noon on a hot and humid, partly overcast day. The county of Costa Rica stretches between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea with three distinct micro climates that produces a variety of vegetation, precipitation and length of seasons.
Yes I’m wearing pants and yes I’m carrying an umbrella upon arrival as we are in a rain forest - folks. ( we all know what that is right?) The tour begins with Fabian leading us down manicured meandering pathway lined with magnificent size African palms, ferns, banana and coconut trees.
Both Gary and I are so fascinated by the variety of the colour green and every so often there would be an explosion of red, pink or orange tones that splashes from bougainvilleas, giant ginger, jaclanda and birds of paradise everywhere. Incredible!
About half way through the tour, we stopped for fresh fruits and juice break. I’m in heaven!
There is a wide variety of orchids, not only from here but also from around the world. Some of the plants we see indoors back home grow naturally outdoor here. I could go on and on.........until we spotted a Tucan siting on a branch watching the tourists. Even ants are hardworking here. They chew off leaves, bring it back to their nests so fungus grow then used as their food source.
The clouds had cleared by the time we headed back to the bus. This garden is like being at the Queen Eliz. Conservatory without the dome.
Promise just a few more pix of exotic flowers.
I’ve been waiting for today’s excursion with excitement as Costa Rica is well known for its diverse collection of tropical plant species. The humid air, plentiful warm rain and rich volcanic soil makes perfect conditions for sub-tropical beauties.
Our guide today is Fabian, who is a devoted “plantsman” himself takes us up 1000 metres through steep, winding and nail biting dirt road to the Pura Vida Gardens. We didn’t learn much history about this garden on the ride up but many consider it a masterpiece and is rated as a must see when visiting this side of Costa Rica.
Our guide today is Fabian, who is a devoted “plantsman” himself takes us up 1000 metres through steep, winding and nail biting dirt road to the Pura Vida Gardens. We didn’t learn much history about this garden on the ride up but many consider it a masterpiece and is rated as a must see when visiting this side of Costa Rica.
Yes I’m wearing pants and yes I’m carrying an umbrella upon arrival as we are in a rain forest - folks. ( we all know what that is right?) The tour begins with Fabian leading us down manicured meandering pathway lined with magnificent size African palms, ferns, banana and coconut trees.
Both Gary and I are so fascinated by the variety of the colour green and every so often there would be an explosion of red, pink or orange tones that splashes from bougainvilleas, giant ginger, jaclanda and birds of paradise everywhere. Incredible!
Hiking up steep paved (no handrails) walkways is really quite challenging for some on our group. We managed and soon arrived to panoramic views of the pacific coastline were you can see islands and the Nicoya peninsula. There’s also views of the tallest water fall once we got to the crown of the hill. If there was ever a place call plant paradise, this is it.
About half way through the tour, we stopped for fresh fruits and juice break. I’m in heaven!
There is a wide variety of orchids, not only from here but also from around the world. Some of the plants we see indoors back home grow naturally outdoor here. I could go on and on.........until we spotted a Tucan siting on a branch watching the tourists. Even ants are hardworking here. They chew off leaves, bring it back to their nests so fungus grow then used as their food source.
The clouds had cleared by the time we headed back to the bus. This garden is like being at the Queen Eliz. Conservatory without the dome.
Promise just a few more pix of exotic flowers.
It was getting dark on our way back to the ship but not before spotting a crocodile waiting for his dinner! And I’m certainly ready for mine.
So beautiful!! I love tucans!
ReplyDeleteSo many lovely plants! I'm happy you are missing the first snow of the season here. Snowed last night, and tonight (Nov. 3) it's going down to -2. Snow is forecast. Had to disconnect the hoses today and bring valves and connectors inside.
ReplyDelete