Comfort Break

On to the next city. During a “comfort break” our guide, Katherine , ran to me very excited saying follow me there are some great birds to shoot, but you have to go through the lady’s bathroom and shoot through a window that is kind of tall. I followed, she made sure the bathroom was empty. Behind the building a great collection of birds had gathered. I could only see them through my tilted view finder, because the window was so high. Total score! Even our guide added a couple of “lifers” to her bird list, birds she had never seen before!

Cloud Forest

On our way to the coast, we made a stop at a local finca to learn about an eco-tourism project aimed at cloud forest conservation and restoration. Edwin Ramirez gave us a presentation on cloud forest ecology and a history of the area.

Edwin grew up on a farm without electricity but with an abundance of freedom, where coffee, sugar cane, fruit, and vegetables were not only the primary crops but the very sources of sustenance for his family and neighbors; inspired by every facet of nature from a young age, he learned to read the land as easily as the weather and spent childhood days exploring creeks and groves. He received his elementary education at a small school during a time when all subjects could fit in a single notebook, and later attended the University of Costa Rica—initially enrolling in biology for a couple of semesters before finding his calling in language and literature and graduating as an English teacher. A naturalist at heart, Edwin now leads eco-tourism projects in the tropical cloud forests of San Ramón, guiding visitors through the rich biodiversity he loves, while remaining deeply committed to supporting The Elvira Foundation, an NGO that acts as a catalyst for conservation efforts across the region.

We accompanied Katherine and Mr. Ramirez on an exploratory walk through the cloud forest before returning to the main house for lunch. After lunch I was able to capture a vulture and a few hummingbirds.

Punta Leona Morning Walking Safari

Our first walking safari at Punta Leona Resort felt like stepping into a living postcard: brilliant toucans flashed their rainbow bills among the canopy, woodpeckers tapped a steady percussion on sun-dappled trunks, and, just when we thought we'd seen it all, an opossum shyly nosed through a limb in a tree. The trail wound through fragrant tropical foliage, sunlight filtering in the morning light.

Karen’s input — Gee Randy makes it sound so romantic. Actually we strolled around several parking lots. Admittedly, there was lush tropical foliage around each of the lots, and between the buildings. If you stood still, you could hear the songs of at least a half dozen birds, probably more to the trained ear. I was amazed at how many birds I could see standing in one or two locations. The Scarlet Macaws were sitting together in the tree together at the entrance of the resort having a loud argument like an old married couple, which they undoubtably were as Macaws mate for life, and can live around 50 years. The resort specifically is working to conserve the nesting area for Scarlet Macaws, and it appears they are successful.

Parque Nacional Carara National Park

Our afternoon walking safari led us into the heart of Carara National Park. By this time, our crowd was moving at a slower pace, so we kept to the trail. This is supposed to be the dry forest, but a steady sprinkling, and shining droplets were all around us. Turns out our stroll was through cicada pee. The saying in Costa Rica, if you have an active night on the town, then you must have to pee like a cicada. We shared the American expression of “breaking the seal” after a beer infused outing with our guide.

Birdsong filled the air—keeping our cameras and binoculars busy—while iguanas lounged on low branches and basked on exposed roots. Between the leafy canopy and the leaf litter we even spotted a couple of rare rodents. The mix of familiar and uncommon creatures made the walk feel like a natural highlight reel, reminding us why Carara’s unique ecosystem is such a treasure.

Sunset Punta Leona Beach

Our last evening at Punta Leona Resort was the perfect punctuation to an unforgettable two-week adventure: we strolled down to the beach as the sky melted into orange, the surf whispering against the shore while Katherine unpacked a little celebration—wine, snacks, and wide smiles. We settled on the warm sand, clinking glasses as the sun dipped below the horizon, savoring the sweet hush that follows a day well-lived. Conversation drifted between memories from the trip and quiet moments of contentment, and for a while the world narrowed to the two of us, the ocean, and that brilliant sky—an effortless, beautiful ending that made every mile worth it.