Bob and Ann in Costa Rica 2004

John and an Anole

Our focus at Campanario was to see as much flora and fauna as possible. Priscilla, our naturalist guide, made that easy. She led us on daily hikes and one nightly bat cave excursion. Her knowledge of the habitat was incredible. It was fun to be with Priscilla along with Suellen and John because they fed off of each other showing and describing birds and other animals.

The daily hikes were in the jungle. The paths were well-marked but the footing was slippery and full of roots. The weather was very warm and humid so we did not push very hard. Three of the hikes were in the Campanario preserve and one was from the preserve through the Corcovado National Park. On the latter hike, we met other tourists for the first time. Most of them were at a swimming hole where we also stopped for a dip to cool off. After each hike, we took a swim in the ocean. Then we took a shower in our cold-water bathroom.

Our evening hike was to a bat cave on a small cliff next to the ocean. Priscilla has some expertise with bats. When it became dark, the bats started darting out of the cave. Priscilla was able to snare a few with her mist net so we could look at them. She identified at least three species.

Sleeping in tent cabins next to the jungle is a real experience. You hear a lot of animal sounds. The howler monkeys were our alarm clock every morning.