Shared Illusions

I awoke in the night, it was raining. I awoke in the morning, it was raining. It rained on and off all day, sometimes a light gentle rain, other times full-on sheets of rain, the kind of rain that makes me laugh, because we so seldom get that in New Mexio.

The morning was lovely, sitting on the patio and watching the birds. Such a variety: though right now the only one I can identify is the red rump tanager. It’s black is such a sleek black and the red so brilliant. A yellow breasted peeper with a blue back lit upon the table to peck at some banana while I was sitting right there. Some sort of toucan practically ate banana out of the hand of our host. Sorry not to have a photo of that. But I do have photos of the birds:

This property puppy came right in while I was practicing yoga this morning.  No, I don’t know her name. She is a she, but I did see her mount the older male dog from behind – spunky! Or just conghayfused?

Around mid-day we headed out to find the free hot springs in Tabacón. There were lots of cars and lots of people. This is high season. And given the overcast day, I reckon folks decided it was a good option. It was raining buckets so we thought we’d check out La Fortuna town and go to the springs on the way back. The springs are actually a river. At least that’s how it’s described and what photos show. The water is warmed geothermically.

The drive to La Fortuna was quite winding and curvy and up and down. It’s a narrow two lane road, often without even a single line dividing the lanes. The driving rain made it more of a challenge, as did the several crazy drivers going too fast and at times cutting it too close for comfort as they came over the center. Hair raising! It seemed like a long time gettin there.

Although La Fortuna hasn’t much going for itt, we ended up staying longer than expected. We needed some provisions and it just takes twice as long to find anything in a new grocery store. And we did stop for a local craft beer and a bite. So, it was getting late, it was foggy, and raining and I didn’t feel like driving back in the dark – either as the driver, which I was – or as passenger. It gets dark around 6 pm here and the road sure does not have street lamps. Curiously enough, the drive back seemed much faster. Familiarity?

Oh, in La Fortuna I happened upon this amazing spider.

Hoping tomorrow is a bit clearer, though we have learned not to expect too much. While Costa Rica in general has a dry season, the cloud forest areas can expect rain any time, though it’s supposed to be a bit dryer than rainy season.

Back at the homestead we found a gift of banana bread awaiting us with a note saying sorry for the rain and here’s hoping the banana bread, made from their garden bananas, would sweeten our day. It did. And truly, the rain did not dampen our spirits one bit. We have time and we’re just taking the days as they are. Tomorrow we plan on hiking in Arenal 1968 private reserve – rain or shine. Although if the sun shines, I may have to opt for hanging bridges walk and zipline. Que será, será.

May the flow be wtih you.