Dia Nueve -- Adios Mis Amigos

(Well, all trips come to an end, and as I now post the last entry, I say farewell to Costa Rica -- for now....) This was our first "proper" trip to a place south of Texas (a couple cruise vacation stops don't count, now matter how adventurous we may have been).

We had heard that Costa Rica was incredible. That can't even describe the time we've had.

I write this on el noche de dia ocho feeling a bit blue about our impending departure though we still have until the early afternoon to enjoy the region.

On this last evening, I reflect not only on the wildlife, but also the people we've met. Expert naturalists like Raul and Roger, fantastic photographers like Juan, and Hobssee always ready with the field guide -- these were only some of the terrific people we met. All offered warmth and enthusiasm for the environment -- a consistent theme in this country that runs from mountains to rain forest to beach.

Pura vida mis amigos. We will see you again soon.

Postscript:

This is the last of the several mornings we've been up at dawn (I seem to get more rest at home in the city that never sleeps!), with an alarm clock of birds and insects plus crowing roosters and a barking dog.

The final morning's list netted new species, bringing our total of new birds to over 100.

Hoffman's Woodpecker
Great Kisskadee
Scarlet Macaw
Blue-gray Tanager
Clay-colored Robin
Baltimore Oriole
Great-tailed Grackle
Montezuma Oropendula
Blue-crowned (or turquoise browed?) mot mot
White-winged Dove
Palm Tanager
Rufous-naped Wren
Crimson-fronted parakeet
Turkey Vulture
Great Egret
Steely-vented Hummingbird
Yellow Warbler
Masked Tityra
Brown-hooded Parrot
Barred Hawk

And just 15 minutes before our car picked us up, a White-throated Magpie Jay.

Hasta luego!