We Dined with A Macaw

Our last few days in the condo found us busy packing and cleaning.  It’s hard to believe that 6 months have come and gone already.

Joey picked us up late Friday afternoon, we stopped at the cable place to return the modem, then stopped to say goodbye to our tour friend Herman.  A quick stop at Joey’s to put some of the perishables we gave them away; then off to a beautiful sunset spot we went.

We drove up the highway for a bit, before heading up the mountain.  When we reached the top, we parked and hiked a short distance to a spectacular view of the Pacific, Jaco, Hermossa and surrounding area below.  It was beautiful.  Unfortunately the sunset wasn’t very spectacular; so after a few pictures we headed back to Jaco.

We had dinner at the Taco Bar and then stopped in at Joey and Eida’s to say goodbye.  A very nice couple and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with them.  Only wish that we had met them sooner. 

This morning, we headed downtown to catch our bus that would take us to Arenal volcano.  I got to sit in the front passenger seat; and the driver pointed out a pineapple orchard, and a dinosaur (okay, it wasn’t a live dinosaur); unfortunately I wasn’t able to get a shot of either. 

The surroundings were beautiful and we got to see a little more of Costa Rica.  We stopped after a couple of hours; at a restaurant and had a half hour break.  We had a piece of banana bread; and then headed around back to see what was there. 

We were not expecting to see a half dozen or more red macaws.  All hanging around, squawking and posing for the many cameras.  Also a couple of peacocks and some other birds.  It was pretty cool.  We transferred our luggage to a second bus; and off to Arenal we went.

More beautiful country side all around.  Lush green foliage.  I was really glad not to be driving.  The road was filled with lots of twists and turns and more than once I was grabbing the seat in front of me to keep from being tossed out of my seat!  Both of today’s drivers were crazy drivers; but fortunately we arrived safely and there was lots to see along the way.

We even had to stop for 3 wild horses to cross the road.  If it wasn’t for the jeep behind us, that passed us and broke us the little soiree; we would have also watched some “afternoon delight” between 2 of them.

After almost 2 hours of a roller coaster ride, we arrived at the Arenal Lodge.  And boy is it ever nice!  We didn’t have too much of a chance to wander around yet; but what we have seen is pretty nice.

We did find time to relax in the hot tub with Arenal Volcano right there.  How cool is that!  Then late afternoon we headed over to the restaurant.  The black cloud had lifted and more of the volcano was exposed.

As we were ordering dinner a blue and yellow macaw came and landed on the patio.  Sweet!!!  When our smoothies arrived, she landed on the chair right beside me and then on the table.  She was heading for Mike’s smoothie when the waiter scared her off.  Her name is Stephania and she just lost her partner a few months ago; and she’s a regular here.

While we ate, she sat in front of us squawking.  Mike then hand fed her a strawberry and orange.  When the waiter took our plates, she flew away, squawking the whole time.  Like she was upset that the food was gone.  It was the first time that either of us had a macaw join us for dinner; and it was quite an experience.

The last hour mother nature again has entertained us with an amazing lightning show right off our patio.  Plus there is an orchestra of frogs, crickets, etc. all around us.  As I finish writing this blog, the storm has moved on; hopefully we’ll be able to see some lava running down the volcano; or at least feel a decent tremor.

All in all it’s been a pretty amazing day. 

Please click here to look at our pictures.