Sunday, July 5, 2009

Panama Highway?



This gives new meaning to "Coastal Highway."

Rip Current



Ben gets caught in a rip current -- fortunately he makes it out in time!

las olas suite



After several hours on the bus, we finally arrived at Las Olas Resort in Playa Barqueta.

Bye cielito



Leaving Cielito Sur and heading to the beach!

Puppy love



It took a great deal of restraint to not bring this dog home with me.

Milking Cinderella



Marlise returns to her swiss roots and tries to milk "Cinderella" the jersey cow.

The dog whisperer



Ben communicating with his canine friends.

Hummingbrids



This region has 15 species of hummingbirds. Take a look at 4 of them.

Finca Dracula




Finca Dracula, one of the world's largest orchid farms.

The Quetzales Cabin



It wasn't until the following day that we really knew what the cabin looked like. Take a peek inside.

Waterfall



The highlight of the hike was this beautiful waterfall called Cascada Mina.

In search of Quetzales



We spent two hours searching for the Quetzal. Our guide spotted one at the end of the hike which Marlise saw through the telescope. Unfortunately it flew away before Ben could observe it. So is life! Note from Marlise "It was the coolest bird I have ever seen".

Lunch of champions



Bread, fruit and coffee by the fire. What more could you ask for?

Bird watching



This was our first (and probably our last) birdwatching experience. Notice the guide's bird call. By the end of the hike we had both mastered the Quetzal whistle.

Aventura



Our guides left us, we had no electricity, no flashlight..... let the adventure begin.

Waiting for the Quincayu



No, we are not trying to make our own low budged horror movie. Void of electricity, we waited patiently for the beloved Quincayu ( a cross between a koala bear and lemur).

Road to the cabin



While eating dinner, the owner's wife begged us to stay in one of their cabins located in the jungle.
Mid-dessert we grabbed our bags and headed for the hills.

Dinner at Quetzales



Dinner at the Quetzales Lodge. Check out the bushels of bananas in the background.