Picking up where we left off....Fiery billed Aracaris are toucans. They are another of the species of toucan we have her in Atenas, however not as common to spot as the Keel billed Toucans. They are smaller in size and are characterized by their bright yellow and red underbellies, and bills that are black and red. Flying in small flocks of up to 10 birds, they feed mostly on fruit, insects, lizards, and bird eggs. They are only found in the Pacific slopes of southern Costa Rica and Western Panama.
Green Iguanas are everywhere. Driving down a dirt road on a sunny day you can see them lounging, stretched out taking in the sun. Growing up in Florida, we have many lizards..well, the green iguana is a lizard on steroids. Found from Mexico, through out Central and South America, green iguanas come in an array of colors from bright blue, to pink, to orange and red. They adapt to their habitats quiet well. Green iguanas are often used as domesticated pets because of their calm demeanor. In the wild, they are arboreal feeding on a variety of leaves, flowers, fruit, and shoots, meaning they are herbivores. Often used as a food source in Central and South America, they are refereed to as "gallina de palo" or tree chickens..."Taste like chicken"..jpg)
The Turquoise-browed Motmot is a common siting in these parts. Very easy to identify because of the bluish/turquoise color and the two long tail feathers that resemble pendulums. This particular birds do not build nests (traditional style), but rather roost in tunnels that are hollowed out on earth banks and hill sides. They like dry to dry humid forests and can be found from Mexico to South America. It is also the national bird of Nicaragua..jpg)
Of the Yellow-throated Euphonia, Karen wrote;"This male Yellow-throated Euphonia was so fun to watch with his little berry, shot from the deck and oh so close to me." Now Karen you should never say to a male that his berries are little!!! These little ones are found only in Central America. The male has a black back with bright yellow underside, and the female is light brown backed with yellow everywhere else..jpg)
The Masked Tityra is a curious looking bird because of the markings around it's eyes. Found mostly in Central and South America, but has shown up in the United States when it takes the wrong exit.And last but not least, the elusive Licenced Realtor. Not commonly spotted in Costa Rica but with patience, calm and diligence you can spot one. Once you do, use them as you won't be sorry....Thanks to Frank and Karen Grayczk for all the wonderful photos. Karen has agreed to keep sending us photo of the beautiful nature we have here in Atenas, most of which they spot from their balcony. Who's your daddies? Did I hear Dennis and Gerardo from Pure Life Development?
Pura Vida,Dennis
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At the top the views are the best you have ever seen. At 12,530 feet how could they not be? It is always nice to have a sense of accomplishment. That is something that I have inside since childhood, and something I was fortunate to have instilled in me by my family. It is particularly strong with a feat like this. You just have to breath it in. Gerardo had already signed the guest book that rest inside a metal box. He dedicated his hike to his father who loved to travel. His accomplishment was how he honored him, knowing it was something he would have loved to have done. He wrote " ". We all cried and took in the beauty that surrounded us. You have great views of the lakes below; the Valley of Morenas and Lago Chirripo. In the distance we could see Volcan Turrialba letting off smoke. We had done it. As we had a drink and snack, little birds began to come close. We shared our granola bars with them as we mustered the energy to make our way down. 
Showers are another story all together. ICE WATER direct from the river. It is a breath taking experience to say the least. It is all you can do to soap up and rinse off. The base camp is very basic and completely solar powered. The rooms are bunk beds and simple shelves to store you baggage. Sleeping bags are a must. We put the bunks together and all slept on the lower level to keep warm. 
We had such good sleeping bags we got hot. Others were not so lucky and complained of cold. Most everyone is very friendly and in the common area kitchen/dinning room conversations are easily made. Most travels are Costa Ricans'and a few foreigners who brave the hike. It is a form of national pride for Ticos to climb Chirripo...a right of passage if you will.
