Costa Rica

In the rain forest the temperatures were up near 30° and, we were told, 75% humidity so, yes, very muggy!

Just been out for a pre-breakfast stroll and to try to get some shots of the volcano, but it rained overnight and this morning it's shrouded in cloud, but this is what it should look like courtesy of Google images! 

The grounds of this hotel are stunning, so I'll try to post some more pictures this evening after dinner. 

Thanks Moulesy, will look forward to it, it's grey and damp in the southwest just now, not a monkey or crocodile in sight....

Micky - you'll  have the time of your life, it's an amazing country with so much going on and such a huge diversity of flora and fauna. So much more than the wedding/honeymoon and beach venue it's sometimes thought of!

One thing worth knowing if you're bringing cash. US dollars are pretty much universally accepted and  actually preferred to the local currency (colones). We made the mistake of just bringing colones and the exchange rate is not very good - you get billed in dollars and changed at 570 colones to 1 dollar. So bring a small amount of colonies for local shops and supermarkets but use dollars as your main currency.

Today's trip on the Cano Negra river was the most amazing experience - you didn't know which way to look there was so much to see! At least 30 different bird species (kingfishers, flycatchers, herons, egrets, and cormorants. Loads of hawks and vultures and even a wood stork as we returned to the jetty.)

Plenty of pairs of iguanas basking in the trees and even a water snake darting backwards and forwards beside the boat and a couple of caiman slumped on old logs.

And of course the howler monkeys.

Plenty of huge lenses in use so my efforts will seem pretty pathetic but if you manage to swipe them you'll get some idea of what was around! 

Thanks moulsey, the man on the ground, much appreciated. 👍Just thinking about packing in readiness for departure and wondering what you suggest for rainwear given the humidity and rainfall pattern you are experiencing in the jungle, is a brolly appropriate asks Mrssf. I know parts of our itinerary have a limit on transfer luggage weight between 'hotels'  too so tips on bare essential stuff would be helpful at this point as will choice of suitcase/luggage bag types. As you may be able to gather we are getting quite 'excited' but please don't forget mind that you are there to enjoy your experiences and not waste time answering our possibly very silly questions.🐊

Thanks Moulesy another enjoyable read

Know this doesn't help now but a bridge camera is the answer, good built in lens range, not too heavy, good picture quality and relatively cheap

Looks like a fantastic trip M. Photos are great. How active is the volcanoe🌋? Are we talking Vesuvius, Etna or even more active.

Thanks Moulesy, it sounds like a really special holiday. 

Today is a rest day so a chance to explore the area around the hotel a bit more thoroughly. I just walked around the grounds before breakfast to take some shots before it gets busy.

Because it's so close to the volcano all the water is at a constant 38.4°C so warm enough to sit in comfortably! 

I've also just seen through the binoculars possibly the most beautiful bird I've ever seen - an American Swallow-Tail Kite - but you'll have to take my word for that because there was absolutely no chance of a photo of that one. 

Stunningly beautiful