This afternoon, on our way back to San Jose, we visited the El Manantial Macaw sanctuary near Puntarenas. Due to the destruction of macaw habitat, and poaching for pets, both the scarlet and green macaw are considered endangered within Costa Rica. El Manantial is dedicated to conserving and breeding macaws with the purpose of reintroducing them back into the wild. I managed to snap a picture of this happy pair who are now free and thriving. Dad was particularly impressed with the two pairs of Hyacinth macaws that were seized and are cared for by the sanctuary. These giant purplish parrots are considerably taller than your average Labrador retriever. Do you see the fire red colour of those smiling macaws? Now imagine your father that colour, especially his back! We went snorkelling yesterday and he definitely got fried by the sun. Dad managed to get a deal on a full day snorkelling adventure out to Tortuga Island. I was, as always, sceptical--especially when I realized that the two young men that pulled up on their ATVs, munching on a bag of Cheetos, were our guides for the day. They led us down to the water. I wondered how we were going to fit 15 into the relatively small boat that pulled up--no problem three young ladies were "invited" to sit up on the deck in front of the driver. Then the safety instructions--wait there were none! Dad noted my concern and pointed to some life jackets hanging from the canopy. Once I let all of this go--magic! It was like a Disney movie. Dolphins leapt out of the crystal blue water beside the boat. We snorkelled in two different locations--there were so many brightly coloured fish--I'm pretty sure I even saw Nemo. Lunch was served under a canopy located on the white shell beach of Tortuga island. Dad's sunburn will soon be forgotten (we're treating is with aloe plant our host cut from the garden), but this magical day will not. We have met many wonderful people and have had unforgettable experiences. Our next adventure will be Turkey starting September 11th. In the meantime we look forward to heading home in the morning to catch up with all of you. You are always in my prayers. Love Mom
2 Comments
Bernie
7/25/2014 01:41:57 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us! You have such a talent for making us feel that we are there. I even went zip-lining with you, but never again!!! Many times you made me laugh, and also have a bit of fear. You are fearless!!!!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Details
Ray & Diane
|